Tonga XIII Defeat Exposes Deeper Problems Beyond the Scoreboard
By Melino Maka | Tonga Independent News | 3 November 2025
Tonga XIII’s 36–10 loss to the Kiwis in Auckland on Sunday night was more than a defeat on the field — it was a reflection of deeper issues surrounding team preparation, governance, and accountability. What was once a proud symbol of Tongan unity now looks directionless and fatigued.
A Team That Looked Unprepared
From the opening whistle, Tonga XIII struggled to match the Kiwis’ intensity. The defensive line was sluggish, errors mounted, and the team appeared physically and mentally off the pace. Coach Kristian Woolf admitted afterward that the team had been “a bit off… with and without the ball,” and hinted that several players were “underdone.”
However, fatigue alone cannot explain the decline. Since the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, the team’s administration has been paralysed by court-ordered reforms and questions over leadership. The High Court of Tonga ordered a new board and audited accounts after years of mismanagement, yet there has been little progress. No Tonga XIII board representatives were visible at the match — a symbol of how disconnected governance has become from the game itself.
The Eli Katoa Incident Raises Safety Fears
The match turned alarming when star forward Eli Katoa suffered multiple head knocks — one in the warm-up and two more during the game — before collapsing on the sideline. He later underwent emergency surgery in Auckland to remove fluid from his brain.
The NRL has launched an investigation into Tonga’s handling of the situation. Video footage showed Katoa appearing dazed before the match began, yet team doctors cleared him to play. Coach Woolf defended the medical staff, saying “everything’s been done to the book,” but concussion experts have already questioned that claim.
Under NRL rules, players showing any signs of concussion must be withdrawn, but Tonga’s protocols appear to have failed. The case has reignited debate about whether player welfare is being properly prioritised in international fixtures — especially for smaller nations that lack the same medical oversight as NRL clubs.
Culture, Leadership, and Accountability
Asked whether playing on Sundays — a sensitive cultural issue in Tonga — affected performance, captain Addin Fonua-Blake dismissed it, saying simply, “We just got beaten to the punch in both games.” His comments reflected a team aware that its problems are internal, not cultural.
For fans, however, the concern runs deeper. Since the High Court ruling, Tonga XIII has lacked visible leadership and transparency. Woolf’s insistence that he will continue coaching next year, despite ongoing controversy and poor form, only adds to doubts about direction.
The absence of governance oversight, coupled with administrative silence, has left supporters disillusioned. The Sea of Red once symbolised unity and faith — now it risks fading into frustration.
Return Control to Tonga
The time has come for Tonga XIII to return to its rightful base — the Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) and the domestic clubs. Only by rebuilding from the grassroots can the team restore trust and performance.
Until that happens, the Sea of Red will continue to lose commercial power. At present, there is no clear accounting of gate takings, sponsorship, or broadcast income. For years, loyal Tongan fans at home and abroad have financed the team through ticket sales and merchandise, only to realise their passion is enriching the IRL and NRL more than the Tongan game itself.
A structure rooted in transparency and community ownership — not external management — is the only path forward. The Mate Ma’a movement was built on faith, pride, and people power; it must now reclaim those foundations or risk becoming a brand without substance.
A Moment for Reflection
Despite the disappointment, Woolf thanked the crowd of 38,000 — most of them Tongans — for their unwavering support. Yet for many, gratitude is not enough. Supporters want accountability, better preparation, and proper care for players.
The current situation echoes earlier warnings from the 2019 governance crisis, when the IRL suspended TNRL and recognised a breakaway body. The High Court later affirmed TNRL’s legitimacy, but the confusion has never been resolved. Until it is, Tonga’s international programme will remain adrift between competing interests, with little benefit flowing back to the players or the people.
Looking Ahead
As Eli Katoa continues his recovery, the NRL review may become a turning point — exposing not only failures in medical judgement but also in administrative responsibility. Tonga XIII’s reputation for passion and power cannot endure without professionalism and proper leadership.
The fans deserve clarity: who runs the team, who profits from it, and who protects its players?
The Mate Ma’a Tonga story has always been about resilience and pride. The next chapter will depend on whether those in charge are willing to return control to the Tongan people, rebuild trust, and restore the spirit that once made the Sea of Red a force to be feared.
