Tongan princess to watch Jason Taumalolo and Tonga take on Samoa in Saturday’s Pacific Test
JASON Taumalolo may be considered rugby league royalty, but he’ll get the chance to rub shoulders with a member of the real monarchs at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday night.
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JASON Taumalolo may be considered rugby league royalty, but he’ll get the chance to rub shoulders with a member of the real monarchs at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday night.
The Princess of Tonga, Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, will be present to watch the men in red take on archrivals Samoa.
Taumalolo was fortunate to spent time with Tonga’s King during the nation’s stunning surge to last year’s World Cup semi-final against England.
Now the North Queensland wreaking ball can’t wait to produce his barnstorming best in front of Tonga’s Princess.
“It is always good to have a member of the Tongan Royal family to be a part of the game,” Taumalolo told The Daily Telegraph.
“It was great to have the King of Tonga watching our semi-final at the World Cup.
“That was a special moment for myself seeing him on the grandstand watching our game.
“I’m sure having the princess there this weekend will be the same. It will definitely give me and the boys a bit of motivation to go out there and play our hearts out.”
Star back Michael Jennings is equally enthused about playing in front of Tongan royalty.
“It shows how much rugby league means to Tonga,” Jennings said.
“We had a big impact on the Tongan community around the world.
“It was an unbelievable camp at the World Cup last year and it’s something we want to build for the future.”
The Tongans will field a strong side against Samoa, including former Blues and Kangaroos prop Andrew Fifita.
Jennings said Fifita and Taumauolo’s decision to sacrifice the big dollars on offer from Australia and New Zealand has inspired a lot of people.
“And it’s not just to us Tongan boys, either,” he said.
“It’s also to the young generation and other athletes that it isn’t just about the money.
“It is all about the passion, pride and how much of a difference you can make from not just playing for the money.”
Jennings is also excited about the playing alongside Tonga’s new additions in Addin Fonua-Blake, Junior Tatola, Moeaki Fotuaika and younger brother, Robert.
He said all the new players have been welcomed with open arms.
“No matter if you are a new face or not, everyone has got that bond here at Tonga,” he said.
“When you come to the Tongan team, everyone gets along so easily, so it makes it easier for the entire team.”