THE 2023 Netball World Cup is almost here, and to help count down to the tournament we here at Rookie Me Central will be previewing all the competing teams and seeing how they might fair at the tournament.

Today is time to take a look at Tonga.

HISTORY OF TONGA AT THE NETBALL WORLD CUP

The history of Tonga at the World Cup is short and sweet.

2023 marks only the second time the Tongans will feature at the World Cup. First time around was back in 1999 when the tournament was known as the World Championships, and they finished 22nd.

24 years later and off the back of an undefeated top spot finish at the Oceania World Cup Qualifiers, they are back in world netball’s pinnacle event.

RECENT HISTORY

Tonga’s most recent series was the PacificAus Sports in Australia’s Gold Coast, which it won after defeating the rest of the competition in Malawi, Fiji, Singapore, Zambia, Samoa, Kenya and Papua New Guinea.

That was in back in May, which is significantly sooner than the last international match for some of the other countries at this year’s World Cup.

KEY PLAYERS

Despite being newcomers to the World Cup stage, Tonga certainly has some huge names at this tournament.

Captained by Queensland Firebirds’ Training Partner Hulita Veve, arguably Tonga’s two biggest names are former Diamond Mo’onia Gerrard and former Silver Fern Cat Tuivaiti. Both of these legends will bring a lot of experience and leadership to a young Tongan side, and will be crucial to help guide the team through the tournament.

Beyond those stars, there are some younger stars sure to make a big name for themselves this tournament. These include NSW Swifts’ Training Partner Kelea Iongi and Victorian netball league star Uneeq Palavi, with the latter’s towering presence in the attacking circle is sure to create plenty of headaches for opponents.

TONGA FIXTURE (start times local)

Friday 28th July – 9am – Fiji

Saturday 29th July – 11am – Australia

Sunday 30th July – 6pm – Zimbabwe

TONGA SQUAD

Luana Aukafolau, Lose Fainga’anuku, Lucia Fauonuku, Mo’onia Gerrard, Marie Hansen, Kelea Iongi, Jessyka Ngauamo, Beyonce Palavi, Uneeq Palavi, Silia Setefano, Peti Talanoa, Slote Taufa, Valu Toutaiolepo, Cat Tuivaiti and Hulita Veve