Tongan rugby league fans are some of the most fiercely loyal in the game - and they proved that over the weekend.
New Zealand’s match against the Tongan side at Auckland’s Mt Smart stadium was packed with a sea of red supporters dressed in their best gear and waving flags in support.
But it was the 56th minute of the game when an overwhelming display of togetherness fueled the stadium.
As Tonga led 24 -12, the crowd filled the stadium with the beautiful ‘'Eiki Koe 'Ofa 'A'au Himi 114 - a hymn about the love for God running deeper than the ocean.
“MORE THAN JUST A GAME,” TikToker @bepresent1111 captioned a video with footage and audio from around the stadium.
“What’s up with the singing?” questioned a commentator from 9Now over the harmonies echoing throughout the crowd.
Dame Valerie Adams also shared her own footage from her seats. “When the crowd gets behind our boys in the most beautiful way,” she wrote.
Fans flooded the comments with messages praising the vibes, with one writing: “That’s the spirit of our people. Malo e hiva 🙏🙏🙏.”
“Vinaka tonga...strength in your voices 👊🙌,” added another.
A third said: “Nothing like it”, as someone agreed: “Hectic loud and proud”.
On the game as a whole, a fan wrote: “This was by far the best game ever! From the entrance of both teams, national anthems, haka/sipi tau and the crowd vibes! I'm definitely proud to be a Tongan Kiwi! Mad love to both teams!”
“We need all Tonga games to stay in NZ because the NZ red sea just hits differently,” another agreed.
The game ended in a close call, but Tonga came out on top with 25-24. They’re set to take on the Aussie Kangaroos this Sunday.
