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Pasifika pride finds a home at Rugby League World Cup: ‘Passion brings us together’

At Harold Wood Uniting Church in Auburn, Viliame and Talita Latu are the centre of attention. The local Tongan congregation, which revitalised the 116-year-old church building in 1997, is celebrating the couple’s first Sunday church service as husband and wife.…

Published: Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 2:00 PM
Pasifika pride finds a home at Rugby League World Cup: ‘Passion brings us together’
Key Things to Know
  • Pasifika communities across western Sydney are showcasing immense cultural pride during the Rugby League World Cup.
  • Tonga defeated Lebanon in front of over 25,000 fans at CommBank Stadium after earlier beating England.
  • A proposal to move the sold-out Tonga-Samoa clash to Accor Stadium was prevented by pre-booked concerts.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Pasifika supporters across western Sydney are energizing the 2026 Rugby League World Cup through passionate displays of community pride. National flags and team jerseys from Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and Lebanon have become widespread throughout local neighborhoods, streets, and churches as diaspora communities rally behind their heritage teams competing on the global stage.

On-field success has fueled ticket demand, with Tonga's upcoming blockbuster clash against Samoa selling out CommBank Stadium after an earlier move to Accor Stadium was blocked by venue scheduling. Passionate marches and historic victories, including Tonga defeating England, reflect the growing competitive balance that players like Jason Taumalolo helped spark across international rugby league.

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