NSW TONGA LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE LUPE IN 2014

24/05/14

The humble “Lupe” (or Dove), the symbol of NSW Tonga Rugby Union is a famous representation of freedom, peace and discovery (‘Eva) and absolutely embodies the NSW Tonga Rugby Union drive in 2014. Lupe’eva ‘o Tonga NSW Rugby Union, true to form, appear ready to “discover” more hidden gems they can take up to the Sunshine State and defend their 2013 women’s title as well as hopefully going one better in the men’s divison. 

The NSW group also want to continue the discovery process to keep filtering players directly into the Tongan system after the hugely successful NSW contribution for the Tonga A squad that competed in the Pacific Rugby competition and finished an astounding 4th overall this year. 
Lupe’eva uncovered rough diamonds Sione Ala, Seah Namoa, and Alfie Paea after solid form for NSW Tonga and each played beyond themselves once they went to the next level for Tonga A, proving once and for all undiscovered talent is very much there for the picking, the hard part is investing enough time into the community to allow those players to make themselves known. 

This season, the discovery process for the next batch will begin via the Lupe’eva Rugby Challenge where open men, women and U20’s players from right throughout the State will get a chance to put their best foot forward and stake a claim for a Sky Blue Lupe’eva ‘o Tonga NSW jersey. 
There is no doubt all players lucky enough to be selected will be looking to make their presence known against the best of Queensland Tonga, A.C.T Tonga and Melbourne Tonga in November, where the ultimate discovery process will come to completion when it is determined once and for all, who is worthy of an Australian Tongan Monimonu jersey after the tournament. 
It seems almost a formality that the humble free spirit embodied by the Lupe will drive some its players to realize their absolute best and into some of those very jerseys. 

President of Lupe’eva ‘o Tonga NSW Angina Lapa was thrilled to see so much interest in the team this year and said “the concept will only thrive with the participation of our very best players that come from the best clubs in NSW club rugby, wanting to prove themselves against the best from their Tongan brothers and sisters from the other States. It will also thrive through the official support of Wallaby greats such as Rev. Viliami Ofahengaue who has come on board as a tournament and NSW Tonga ambassador this year, this will only drive our men and women to push themselves further than they ever have before. “ 

It seems that taking all these factors into consideration the Lupe of NSW is looking to expand its territory, when it launches its teams head first into Queensland intent on awakening the sleeping giants that are the men and women of NSW Tonga. So you think you want play for NSW Tonga? Only those willing to give outside of themselves and refuse to be caged physically and mentally allowing their talents to roam free like the humble Lupe will survive, because ultimately once this level of commitment has been reached the sky is the limit. Queensland, Melbourne, A.C.T be prepared. 

(meegee82)

[Inset: Lupe’eva ‘o Tonga NSW Rugby Union graduate and Tonga A Representative Seah Namoa. Photo courtesy of J.B Photography]

TONGAN TORPEDO’S COMMITMENT TO MONIMONU A BULLS EYE FOR ALL AUSTRALIAN TONGANS.

08/05/14

The Australian Tongan Monimonu Rugby Union group is absolutely ecstatic to announce former Wallaby great, also known as the Tongan Torpedo, Rev. Viliami Ofahengaue, has today officially committed to a permanent senior ambassadorial role with the Australian Tongan Monimonu Rugby Union. Rev. Ofahengaue will act as a tournament ambassador as well as a State ambassador for Lupe’eva ‘o Tonga NSW Rugby Union being a proud New South Welshman.

Ofahengaue has also graciously accepted the honour of the Monimonu Cup Most Valuable Player of the tournament being named in his honour in 2014, the official “Willie O” MVP Medal for both our men and women. True to form, in an interview live from Tonga today, the humble former Wallaby great said he “was really honoured to have the medal named in his honour.” 
When asked on his thoughts on Reverend Ofahengaue’s continuous and gracious commitment to the Tongan community in Australia, Australian Tongan Monimonu Rugby Union President Angina Lapa said “The Faifekau’s (Reverend) love for the community and the people of his heritage, knew no bounds and is a testament to his character, that someone of his worldwide standing sees so much potential in our humble little concept to showcase our best up and coming talent.”

Reverend Ofahengaue’s senior ambassadorial role will be accompanied by another senior ambassador to be named and unveiled via another major announcement in the very near future. All involved with the Australian Tonga Monimonu group are indebted to Ofahengaue and his willingness to help, we know that people of his caliber supporting the cause, will undoubtedly help the next “Willie O” to emerge from the shadows and seek greatness of themselves, no doubt due to the imprint the Torpedo has left on their hearts with this magnificent gesture…the bulls eye that planted the seed. 

(Meegee82)

[Inset: Reverend Viliami ‘Ofahengaue (left) & Australian Tonga Monimonu Rugby Union/Lupe’eva ‘o Tonga President Angina Lapa (right) ]

KEFU’S COMMITMENT COMPLETES MONIMONU STAR COMBINATION

12/05/14

Following the commitment of former Wallaby great Rev. Viliami Ofahengaue to a senior ambassadorial role, the Australian Tongan Monimonu Rugby Union group is pleased to announce another former Tongan Wallaby great, has also come on board and taken up the final senior ambassador position. Along with the Rev. Ofahengaue, the duo will effectively co-captain a who’s who list of tournament ambassadors.

The Australian Tonga Monimonu Rugby Union is pleased to announce that former Wallaby great Toutai Kefu has taken up his rightful position alongside Rev. Viliami Ofahengaue as official senior ambassadors for the Australian Tonga Monimonu tournament. The star partnership forms a formidable foundation for the tournament to build off moving forward. Kefu has also graciously taken up a formal ambassadorship role with the Queensland Tongan Rugby Union in recognition of him and his family’s strong connection to the region and group.

Similar to the NRL, with the Clive Churchill medalist awarded to the Player of the Grand Final on the game’s biggest stage, the Monimonu Cup equivalent will also be named in Kefu’s honour, the “Toutai Kefu” medalist in honour of the legacy he has established and continues to establish for all Tongans in Australia. Along with the Willie Ofahengaue tournament MVP medal, it provides the two most esteemed individual awards are named after both these Tongan Wallaby legends of the game and will no doubt provide our players extra impetus to bring their absolute best to the Monimonu Cup with these awards on offer.

Kefu took a moment to express his excitement at being able to give back to the community but also provided a very meaningful reflective commentary on being Tongan and also living in Australia by saying “we are very lucky to live in a country like Australia where our talents on the rugby field are able to be recognized and allow so many doors to be opened.” 
One can only imagine Kefu was humbly alluding to his own life, which saw his father Fatai (a Tongan international) and mother Neomai move the family to Brisbane in search for a better life. Fatai would live long enough to see sons Toutai, Steve and Mafile’o go on to also earn International honours and with the rest of the Kefu children are a living testament to the Australian dream. 

Reading between the lines, Kefu’s heartfelt observation is perhaps the very reason why the Monimonu Cup is an important tool for the Australian Tongan community to help our people realise, the opportunities are there, you just have to be brave enough to take it… dare to dream, dare to be great.

(Meegee82)