Tonga’s national netball team, Tonga Tala, has announced its squad for the upcoming Pacific Netball Series in Brisbane.
Led by captain Hulita Veve, making a highly anticipated return, the team features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents as they prepare to compete against top Pacific nations.
The squad includes Luana ‘Aukafolau, Isabella Fainga’anuku, Otolose Fainga’anuku, Lucia Fauonuku, Joesi Gisinger, Marie Hansen, Liesl Hopoate, Ana Kailahi, Emma Mateo, Beyonce Palavi, Uneq Palavi, Sovika Pousini, Halaevalu Toutaiolepo, and Jaelin Tulikaki.
Head coach Jaqua Pori-Makea-Simpson will lead the team, supported by assistant coach Colleen Mitchell. The management team includes Daniel Short as team manager, Van Nguyen as physiotherapist, and Rose Huang as performance analyst.
With a strong squad and experienced coaching staff, Tonga Tala is aiming for a competitive showing in the Pacific Netball Series.
Veve, who missed last year’s tournament due to club commitments, plays for the Queensland Firebirds in Australia’s Super Netball competition.
Head coach Jaqua Pori Makea-Simpson welcomed her return, saying it would strengthen the team.
“Hulita has been an important part of our program. For the past three years, she has captained Tala,” Makea-Simpson said.
“We are really grateful to have her back for the next series. She brings strength and confidence to our group, just in the way she leads. She leads by example, with an incredible work ethic, and there’s no doubt, she’s obviously a bit of a game changer at times, and we’re excited to have her back.”
Veve will lead a squad featuring experienced players such as Beyonce and Uneeq Palavi, along with several Under-21 players.
Makea-Simpson said selecting younger players was part of a long-term development strategy.
“We are quite deliberate in the way that we create opportunities for our younger players,” she said. “The only place to learn how to play under pressure is actually to be in one.”