As we all know by now, smoking kills. But it was the lack of cigarette sponsors in Tonga that nearly destroyed rugby league in the island nation following the disastrous 2000 World Cup in Britain.
Move on eight years and Tonga has over 1,500 registered players playing the game, the largest number of participants ever for Tongan rugby league.
Indeed, Tonga now boasts one of the most vibrant rugby league competitions in the Pacific islands and continues to produce outstanding players.
Currently they are the fourth best team in the world, behind the big three – Australia, New Zealand and England.
Although their record in World Cup competition has been way below par (first round exits in 1995 and 2000), this team now has the basis to finally come out of the shadows.
Tonga arguably possesses its strongest group of players ever, led by tough Sydney Roosters prop Lopini Paea.
Parramatta Eels star Feleti Mateo will form the foundation for the Tongan arsenal. His inclusion matches the importance of Benji Marshall for the Kiwi’s and Darren Lockyer for Australia.
If Mateo can fire, Tonga has more than enough able players to build upon the class provided by the Eels pivot.
Meanwhile, the Tongan backline is brimming with skill and power.
Penrith Panthers superstar Michael Jennings has shown enough potential in the NRL to blossom on the biggest stage rugby league has to offer.
No doubt he will be well supported by Newcastle Knights flyer Cooper Vuna and Wests Tigers beast Taniela Tuiaki.
New Manly winger Tony Williams will also add much needed strike for the ‘mate ma’a’
But it is Tonga’s forward pack that sets it out from most second tier nations, and perhaps puts it on par with the likes of Australia and New Zealand.
Most of Tonga’s front six have either played test football or Origin football at some stage or another.
Most of them still ply their trade in either the NRL or the English Super League on a consistent basis.
Names such as Anthony Tupou, Richard Fa’aoso, the Paea brothers, Fui Fui Moi Moi, Fraser Anderson, Epalahame Lauaki and Manese Manoukafoa will form a very formidable pack.
Coached by former Bulldogs premiership winner Jim Dymock, it is little wonder why most opposing nations are tipping Tonga as the premier dark horse in this year’s League World Cup.
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