Wallabies great Wycliff Palu is cherishing a Tonga return he warns needs to be more than a one-off "promotion" as rugby fights for a foothold in the Pacific.
Three-time World Cup player Palu, who defied a long history of injuries to accrue 58 Test caps, will coach First Nations and Pasifika against Tonga President's XV in Nuku'alofa on Friday.
Competing for the inaugural Kaume'a Ofi Trophy - meaning "Close Friends" in Tongan - the fixture will be streamed on Stan Sport and is the latest effort to foster rugby in the Pacific and strengthen the connections between the two countries.
Last year a First Nations and Pasifika team, coached by Toutai Kefu and featuring Kurtley Beale and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, scared the British and Irish Lions in a 24-19 arm wrestle.
Reassembled with the support of the Australian Government's PacificAus Sports initiative, the timely Tongan visit follows the demise of Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby and follows the government's $600 million investment in rugby league in the region.
In addition to a major investment in the PNG Chiefs, set to launch in the NRL in 2028, the 10-year funding package includes $250 million to grow the sport in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Palu, now 44, has spent the last decade playing and coaching in Japan.
Now, linked to a return under Michael Cheika at the NSW Waratahs, is keen to remind children of the Pacific that rugby has always been their game.
"I never played in Tonga and have only been here maybe four times, but to have that Tongan heritage, it's cool to come back after so long and instantly feel that connection," he said.
"This game ... it's important it's not a one-off, not just a promotion. If we're serious about it, it's got to be consistent."
There are several layers of efforts to ensure that's the case, with part of Rugby Australia's $90 million World Cup government injection to be spent on grassroots Pacific competitions.
And there is a separate $150 million proposal to the federal government, led by the prime ministers of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, for two new Pacific sides to join the four Super Rugby Australian franchises in their fledgling pre-season tournament.
The battling Moana Pasifika only played twice in Tonga and Samoa in their five Super seasons, having remained off the radar in New Zealand and unable to attract sponsors or a fan base once the majority owners took over from World Rugby in 2024.
Rugby Australia are looking to the Fijian Drua model as the benchmark, given their winning record on home soil and incredible support base after graduating from the second-tier National Rugby Championship.
ANZ bank estimates the Drua, indirectly through tourism but also merchandise, transport, retail and advertising, contributed $73 million to the country's gross domestic product last season.
Palu can see the passion in Tonga too, but knows rugby league, after Jason Taumalolo's iconic defection to lead the Mata Ma'a Tonga, is winning hearts and minds.
"The school kids, they go crazy when you just give them a ball and it'll be so cool if there was a consistent presence," he said.
"Their league stars went and played (for Tonga) and it inspired the kids.
"For rugby to grow it can't be Tongan kids playing in New Zealand or Australia. It has to be Tongans playing for Tonga, in Tonga.
"They don't have to be huge stars anywhere else, but in Tonga they would be massive and that would make a difference."
Tristan Reilly, who scored against the Lions last year, will captain the side while exciting playmaker Chace Oates, a Toowoomba Grammar graduate now in Canberra, will wear the No.10 with brother BJ at fullback.
FIRST NATIONS AND PASIFIKA XV:
Lington Ieli, John Grenfell, Remsy Lemisio, Tavita Loughland, Sau Vaihu, Tau Tuisamoa, Davea Teoteo, Judah Saumaisue, Moses Sorovi, Chace Oates, Gage Phillips, Jarrah McLeod, Triston Reilly (capt), Angus Tagicakibau, BJ Oates. Bench: Oniti Finau, Berakah Tuifaasisina, Fred Kaihea, Malakai Taulani, Taufa Kinikini, Teina Graham, Tamarangi Tunui, Garlen Peace, Denzel Veikune.
Australian Associated Press
