Sika Manu joins Tongan board as local game continues to grow

Former Tonga captain Sika Manu has joined the board of the nation’s governing body as the domestic competition continues to grow.

Manu, who made 13 international appearances for Tonga and captained the team in the IRL Rugby League World Cup 2017, was one of two new directors elected to the board, which is chaired by newly elected Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua.

The former Melbourne Storm, Penrith Panthers and Hull FC forward was elected by the national team players prior to the Tonga Rugby XIII AGM as National Team Representative Director.

Lord Ma’afu, who was elected by the four member clubs to the board, is a Tongan noble who was elected as a Nobles’ Representative to Parliament in November 2025.

He also serves as President of the Vaini Doves Rugby League Club – one of two new clubs who have joined Tonga Rugby XIII as probationary members.

The inclusion of Vaini Doves and Mu'a Saints represents a significant step forward in strengthening partnerships with local clubs and growing the Tongan rugby league community.

Mu’a Saints is a strong rugby league club based in the village of Mu’a, with a long and proud history in the sport. Mu’a is one of the few clubs in Tonga that competes exclusively in rugby league, without participating in rugby union.

Vaini Doves is one of the largest district clubs in Tonga, based in the village of Vaini. The club has a strong presence in both rugby league and rugby union, with a well-established player base across competitions. Both clubs will be eligible to become voting full members of TRXIII in a year.

The 2025 Tonga Rugby XIII competitions, which were run over a 10-week season, comprised of:

• 4 x Open Women’s teams
• 14 x Open Men’s teams
• 10 x Under 14s Boys teams
• 9 x Under 16s Boys teams
• 12 x Under 18s Boys teams
• 3 x Under 14s Girls teams
• 2 x Under 16s Girls teams
• 5 x Under 18s Girls teams

The Tongan government provided Tonga Rugby XIII Incorporated TOP$310,000 (A$195,000) towards the local grass roots programs and pathways initiatives, which the AGM formally acknowledged and expressed gratitude to government for its financial support.

Lord Fakafanua, who this week was elected as Tonga’s new Prime Minister, reported on key highlights from the Pacific Championships,.

The Chairman commended the strong performance of the Tonga Women’s team during their campaign in Papua New Guinea in 2025.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by the Men’s team in 2025, Lord Fakafanua confirmed that the program will reset and regroup as preparations begin toward the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

Tonga will face England in Perth on October 17 before travelling to Sydney to play Lebanon on October 24 and Samoa on November 1.