NRLW stars Tiana Penitani and Simaima Taufa

Tongan female stars open to following Fifita, Taumalolo's lead

The women’s World Cup in France is set to expand to 16 nations in 2025, double the current number, with the likes of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji set to come under consideration for tournament entry.

Tonga is the fourth most represented nation in the NRLW this season, however there is no official national women’s side under the Tonga National Rugby League governing body.

A Tongan women’s side last played against Niue in 2020 under a newly formed women’s board but prior to that the nation hasn’t featured in a game since the 2008 World Cup.