Tongan NRL players are reconnecting with their roots through fishing, blending relaxation with cultural significance.
Cronulla winger Sione Katoa has sparked a fishing craze among his teammates, sharing his adventures on “The Tongan Fisherman” social media. For Katoa, fishing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to reconnect with his Tongan heritage. “Fishing was a big part of the culture back on the islands,” Katoa said. “They used to live off what they caught in the oceans.”
Other players, like Sifa Talakai and Addin Fonua-Blake, have joined the trend, and more are expected to follow. The fishing trips offer a break from the pressures of NRL life, but they also hold deeper cultural meaning. For many Tongan players, it’s a chance to honor a tradition passed down through generations.
Growing up in Tonga, Katoa’s love for the water was fostered by long hours spent fishing with family. “I love being out catching fish,” he said. “I could be out for six or seven hours and catch nothing, and I still enjoy it. The time alone is fun.”
As Tongan players unite over this shared passion, they are strengthening both their bonds with each other and their connection to their cultural heritage.
