What it means for people in Tonga

[LeagueXIII]

Great article on people watching the NZ v Tonga game in Tonga:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/league/news/article.cfm?c_id=79&objectid=11944398

Humble photo inspires Tongan league stars
15 Nov, 2017 6:24pm
3 minutes to read

Former Tongan rugby captain Isi Fatani captured the poignant images while visiting one of Tonga's outer islands, Ha'afeva. Photo / Isi Fatani

By: Vaimoana Tapaleao
Reporter, NZ Herald
moana.tapaleao@nzherald.co.nz

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About 300 people live on the island and it takes about two-and-a-half hours to get there by ferry.

"We went there for a church conference and then on Saturday, we were looking for a TV to watch the game.

"We walked about 600 metres to find a TV and the whole village was there.''

A family happened to have two television sets. Inside the house, made of corrugated iron, mostly men watched the bigger screen that had been placed in the middle of the room so those outside could also see.

A smaller TV was set up on the other side of the house for women and children sitting on the grass. A young boy in a red T-shirt can be seen behind an elderly man sitting in a wheelchair.

"It was the greatest experience of my life. I stay in the big island and you can watch TVs at all houses - and they're very big TVs.

"But on the island, there was only a couple of TVs. When Tonga got a try, they almost broke down the house."

In Ha'afeva, the electricity is put on from 6pm to 9pm. On Saturday, it was turned on just before the match and turned off again after it.

Former Tongan rugby captain Isi Fatani captured the poignant images while visiting one of Tonga's outer islands, Ha'afeva. Photo / Isi Fatani

 

[Perth Red]

That's awesome, not many places in the world that electricity availability would be controlled by a game of rugby league!

 

[deluded pom?]

That's awesome, not many places in the world that electricity availability would be controlled by a game of rugby league!

They could have powered the village for a month on the energy generated by the people.

 

[Panfas]

I love to read these stories. The same happens all over PNG, Samoa & Fiji for every game

 

[Disinterested third party]

Nah we are constantly told RL has no following there. Been outed as the rubbish that truly is.

 

[DlEHARD]

This is what international rugby league and the World Cup is all about! Print this photo out and hang it on the wall.

 

[miguel de cervantes]

If PNG ever beats Aus...well I just can't imagine what would happen

 

[titoelcolombiano]

This is what international rugby league and the World Cup is all about! Print this photo out and hang it on the wall.

Yes! This needs to be in to promo for the next world cup!