1News

Video: Unlucky Tongan league players punished with slaps to the backside

October 13, 2017

The Tongan league team finished their training session today in Nuku’alofa with an unusual game. (Source: Other)

The Tongan team took time after their training to meet and take photos with local fans. (Source: Other)

The Tongan league side got put through their paces in their first training session as a squad. (Source: Other)

More coverage from Tonga

League

SHARE ME

More Stories

Casey McLean celebrates with teammates after scoring for the Kiwis against Toa Samoa.

Kiwis surge past Toa Samoa to win Pacific Championship

The Kiwis, down at halftime, scored an unanswered 30 points in the second half in Sydney.

Sunday 8:49pm

Jarome Luai of Toa Samoa during the rugby league Pacific Cup Men’s match between Samoa and Tonga at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, October 26, 2025.

Rugby league: Jarome Luai finds his why – inspiring Polynesian halves

Eight years after making his debut for the nation as a Penrith reserve grader, Luai can help take Samoa to a maiden trophy in Sunday's Pacific Cup final against New Zealand.

Fri, Nov 7

Stephen Crichton of Samoa celebrates after kicking a dropped goal, leading to Samoa winning the game.

Rugby league: Sons of Samoa on never-ending ride to Pacific power

Samoa's players can complete one of the country's greatest sporting feats with victory over New Zealand in the Pacific Cup final on Sunday.

Thu, Nov 6

Eliesa Katoa of Tonga is attended to by a trainer

Shouldn't have happened: Katoa still on players' minds

The NRL is continuing a review into Katoa's three head knocks at Eden Park, with the Tonga star still recovering in Auckland after seizure activity and a brain bleed.

Wed, Nov 5

Katoa stable, but NRL to probe Tonga star's head knocks

Katoa was on Monday recovering in an Auckland hospital following surgery, after requiring an oxygen mask on the sideline during Tonga's 40-14 defeat to New Zealand on Sunday.

Tue, Nov 4

1:30

Keano Kini dives over for a try for the Kiwis against Tonga at Eden Park.

Kiwis book final against Samoa with big win over Tonga

The Kiwis had too much firepower for Tonga in the playoff for a spot in the Pacific Championships final.

Sun, Nov 2

Rugby league: Sons of Samoa on never-ending ride to Pacific power

Samoa's players can complete one of the country's greatest sporting feats with victory over New Zealand in the Pacific Cup final on Sunday.

Thu, Nov 6

Shouldn't have happened: Katoa still on players' minds

The NRL is continuing a review into Katoa's three head knocks at Eden Park, with the Tonga star still recovering in Auckland after seizure activity and a brain bleed.

Wed, Nov 5

Katoa stable, but NRL to probe Tonga star's head knocks

Katoa was on Monday recovering in an Auckland hospital following surgery, after requiring an oxygen mask on the sideline during Tonga's 40-14 defeat to New Zealand on Sunday.

Tue, Nov 4

1:30

Kiwis book final against Samoa with big win over Tonga

The Kiwis had too much firepower for Tonga in the playoff for a spot in the Pacific Championships final.

Sun, Nov 2

Kiwis surge past Toa Samoa to win Pacific Championship

The Kiwis, down at halftime, scored an unanswered 30 points in the second half in Sydney.

Sunday 8:49pm

Rugby league: Jarome Luai finds his why – inspiring Polynesian halves

Eight years after making his debut for the nation as a Penrith reserve grader, Luai can help take Samoa to a maiden trophy in Sunday's Pacific Cup final against New Zealand.

Fri, Nov 7

Rugby league: Sons of Samoa on never-ending ride to Pacific power

Samoa's players can complete one of the country's greatest sporting feats with victory over New Zealand in the Pacific Cup final on Sunday.

Thu, Nov 6

Shouldn't have happened: Katoa still on players' minds

The NRL is continuing a review into Katoa's three head knocks at Eden Park, with the Tonga star still recovering in Auckland after seizure activity and a brain bleed.

Wed, Nov 5

Katoa stable, but NRL to probe Tonga star's head knocks

Katoa was on Monday recovering in an Auckland hospital following surgery, after requiring an oxygen mask on the sideline during Tonga's 40-14 defeat to New Zealand on Sunday.

Tue, Nov 4

1:30

Kiwis book final against Samoa with big win over Tonga

The Kiwis had too much firepower for Tonga in the playoff for a spot in the Pacific Championships final.

Sun, Nov 2

VIEW MORE LEAGUE STORIES

Latest

Popular

16 mins ago

State Highway 2 to be raised 1.8m for flood protection

Flood mitigation work has begun to protect Pan Pac, pictured the day after Cyclone Gabrielle, and Whirinaki residents from future flooding.

12:02pm

Tips to keep your home insect-free during warm, humid weather