Tonga

Kaniva News reports that ‘Aisake Eke, who was sacked as Minister of Finance in March after abstaining in a vote of no-confidence in Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pōhiva, told a meeting of the Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) the funds were all specifically aimed to support preparations for the Games in two years’ time.

As part of its meeting, the Executive Board was addressed by Lord Vaea, acting President of TASANOC, and Lord Sevele, the Chairman of the Tonga 2019 Pacific Games Organising Committee.

The Executive Board resolved to make one last attempt to keep the 2019 Pacific Games in Tonga. In 2012, the PGC membership voted emphatically for Tonga to host these Games and the Executive Board remains confident that Tonga can successfully deliver the event should the Government resume its support.  

The Council was formally advised of the government's decision to pull out on Wednesday, because of financial concerns, five days after the move was approved by cabinet.

The Pacific Games Council said it was not consulted in the decision and no attempt was made to seek their assistance to address the Government's financial concerns over staging the Games.

"We have a contract that we signed in 2012, when our General Assembly awarded Tonga the Games and there are termination and suspension clauses in the contract," said Council CEO Andrew Minogue.

Council President Vidhya Lakhan confirmed to Fiji’s Legend FM Sports there has been no notification from the Tongan government about withdrawing.

He says officially Tonga is still hosting the event.

Reports say Tonga has reviewed hosting the games following an analysis of the impact of hosting the event would have on the economy.

Tonga is reportedly processing its withdrawal documents to be submitted to the 2019 Pacific Games Council.

It would require a budget support of around 33 million US dollars by donor partners to host the event.

Reports say the review follows an analysis of the impact of hosting the event would have on the economy.

Preparations for the games have been plagued with controversy since Tonga was awarded the hosting rights in 2012.

There have been construction delays, financial concerns, contractual disputes and an ongoing feud between prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva and organising committee chair Lord Sevele which culminated in the latter being reinstated by the courts after Mr Pohiva removed him.

RNZ reports he helped the island countries negotiate the deal and said it should bring significant benefits.

But Dr Kessie said a key is that New Zealand and Australia meet their commitments to allocate up to 20 per cent of their Pacific aid budgets to helping the island nations develop such things as the capacity to meet international bio-security requirements.

He said this would amount to $US300 million dollars annually being allocated.

The Bulldogs have been subjected to heavy criticism for announcing their players would not be available for the May 7 City-Country match at Mudgee but that is due to scheduling as they play North Queensland just four days later.

If NSW coach Laurie Daley had advised that he wanted any specific Canterbury players to play City-Country with a view to assessing them for State of Origin selection, the Bulldogs would have allowed them to do so.

A deal hasn't yet been agreed but the Weekend Herald understands there is growing confidence among all parties that on Friday, June 16, the All Blacks will play Samoa in Auckland - with Tonga versus Wales as the curtain raiser.

The All Blacks are keen to play a meaningful contest before the first test against the Lions on June 24. They are conscious the Lions will have had six tough tour games before that first test, while the All Blacks will have had two weeks of training, but no opportunity to play.

There has long been criticism that countries such as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga do not face enough tier-one opposition outside of World Cups every four years and that this diminishes their chances of performing at their best in the global showpiece, where they have nevertheless made a significant contribution over the years.

This is something officials have tried to address in the new global calendar unveiled by World Rugby last week, but that doesn't kick in until 2020.

Puaikura take on Lupe Ole Soaga in a top of the table clash before Veitongo FC and Utulei Youth battle for their first points at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Nuku’alofa.

Puaikura FC dominated hosts Veitongo FC 4-0 in the first day of action on 28 January and coach Matthew Calcott is confident they will continue that momentum in their match against Lupe Ole Soaga.

“A win always gives you a little bit of confidence and it’s been good to have these extra days to knit everything together. We just had a good session and I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” he said.