Reigning champions Tonga Tala are set to defend their title at the 2025 PacificAus Sports Netball Series, which begins today at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena. The tournament runs until February 22.
Tonga has dominated the competition since it started, winning all four previous editions. The team is eager to continue its unbeaten streak against strong challengers, including the Fiji Pearls, PNG Pepes, Samoa Tifa Moana, and Scotland’s Thistles, who are making their tournament debut.
“We want to play the best netball we can and reclaim our title,” Tala’s head coach Jaqua Pori Makea-Simpson said. “The ultimate goal is that fifth title, but we have a lot of work to do before we get to that grand final day.”
The Tonga Tala’s squad was named earlier this month led by captain Hulita Veve. Fans anticipate whether they can maintain their supremacy and secure a historic fifth consecutive title.
The young Tala members joining the squad will also gain valuable experience at this competition to prepare them for their first-ever Youth World Cup appearance later this year.
Tala plays its first game today against the Australia Black Swans at 7.00pm Brisbane Time (10.00pm Tonga time), followed by Tuesday’s game against Samoa (10.00pm Tonga time), Fiji on Wednesday (10.00pm Tonga time), Scotland on Thursday (10.00pm Tonga time) and Papua New Guinea on Friday (8.00pm Tonga time).
The PacificAus Sports Netball Series, hosted by Netball Australia and funded by the Australian Government, aims to strengthen netball across the Pacific. It offers teams exposure to elite competition and helps develop the sport in the region.
