The Chair of the Tonga Advisory Council says it's exploitation that Tongan fans continue to bring huge profits to New Zealand Rugby League while Tonga's National Rugby League walk away with nothing.
Electric atmosphere here at the NZ Kiwis vs Mate Ma'a Tonga match! pic.twitter.com/Y3pQfv2Q5U
— Martin Stewart (@MartinStewartNZ) June 22, 2019
Last weekend Mate Ma'a Tonga fans packed out Mt Smart Stadium once again but the team are now left in need of sponsorship to continue playing at the Oceania League Cup.
Melino Maka, says Tonga's NRL currently only have enough funding to pay for half of the two‑week preparation period where the players will be training together in New Zealand before in the lead up to their next game in October.
Radio NZ reports Maka has been working to coordinate permanent sponsorship for the team which he says is desperately needed.
The Chair of Tonga's NRL, George Koloamatangi said that in the recent match between Mate Ma'a Tonga and the Kiwis, the Tongan players were paid $2500 each by the Rugby League International Federation which was then topped up by the Tongan government to $5000.
Radio NZ
