Hundreds of locals turned out in Tonga today to welcome their Rugby League World Cup stars.
Half of the Tongan squad arrived in Tonga today with Jason Taumalolo and rest set to arrive tomorrow (Source: Other)
Former Kangaroos star Andrew Fifita and former Kiwis player David Fusitu'a were among the stars who touched down earlier this afternoon.
The league stars were welcomed by the Tongan Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva and other local ministers at the airport.
The Titans centre has been in Tonga for two weeks, but was at the airport to welcome his teammates. (Source: Other)
Locals performed a traditional dance as they left the Fua'amotu International Airport.
Fans went through a huge effort in decorating their vehicles in Tongan red colours, with names of the players plastered on their cars.
NRL star Jason Taumalolo and Fifita controversially walked away from the Kiwis and Kangaroos respectively to play for Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup which starts later this month.
Parramatta forward Manu Ma'u, Warriors winger Fusitu'a and Roosters prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho also opted to play for Tonga over the Kiwis.
Tonga's first World Cup match is against Scotland on October 29 in Cairns.
The rest of the squad are due to arrive tomorrow.
SHARE ME