Sponsoring Tonga: A Turning Point in International Rugby League

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1:01Granger, for the ones who get it done. Get out of here. Welcome back to the Roby League Guru podcast. Something a little bit different today. You would have seen the announcement last night that we of course are sponsoring Tonga in the Roby League World Cup, which is super exciting and if I'm honest, just something I'm incredibly proud of and proud to be a part of. It's going to be a really cool experience. I always sort of say when it comes to Guru, I like to do something each year that's probably

2:04a little bit above my head. You know, the first time I went to Vegas going over there, it was a bit like that. You know, going to the ashes last year, it was a bit like that and then this one, it is the biggest one yet by distance. When we brought our studio a couple of years ago, there was another situation like that, but this one, it is a little bit different. It is, yeah, it's crazy. Even for me to see, you know, I've been looking at those images for a couple of months now and those videos for a couple of months, but to see it go live last night and the support behind it, really cool. And yeah, just, you know, obviously that logo and everything that I've put so much, so so many years and so much effort into, it is unreal to see. But, you know, the bigger thing is the support off the back of it. And, you know, if I'm honest with you, this, you know, like I'm not Tonga, obviously, you know, growing up in mascot and South Sydney, you know, a lot of my mates growing up and whatnot, you know, all, not not all, but a lot of them Tongan boys and some of my best mates as well, especially as I got into my teenage years and whatnot, some of my best mates that I'm still very good mates with today, sort of become hard to stay close to those

3:07guys because most of them are fucking unbelievable footballers and they're traveling the world, playing footy and whatnot and I've just been slowly carving out my little piece back here at home. But yeah, especially when I got the messages from those mates that I grew up with, that, you know, that Tongan jersey and that Tongan Flav means the absolute world to them and their families and I know how much it means to them. Yeah, that, that was pretty cool for me last night to see how that all played out. And yeah, you know, the, the reality of this situation is that this all started in 2024. It was the Pacific champs, the Grand Final, it was Australia V Tonga and as you guys have probably picked up on, like, I don't go to too many NREL games. I, I like to watch at home. I like to watch on TV. I think that the product on TV is just unreal. And for me, when you have to, you know, sit on a show and talk for five hours and analyse, I find it really hard to do it out there at games. But I remember where I was watching that game where Tongan Bear Australia a couple of years ago and just thinking, oh, it's changed. Like the, the moment has arrived or the moment is arriving where international rugby

4:11league, you know, it goes from a Mickey Mouse competition every year to being a proper competition to being something that people will tune in for to something that people passionately care about. And I just, in 2024, November, it was we, I decided, you know what, if Tonga win that, I want to be there for it. I want to experience it. I, I wasn't there the first time that Tonga bear Australia and I thought I want to be there for it. And I went out there and I was sitting with Kat and Sam Rigniew is with us as well. And I just, just the emotion in the stadium and the hymns and the chance and everything that was going on, I said at the time coming back from that stadium that it was one of the best atmospheres I've ever experienced. And it was not, in a way that it was very unique. It was not state of origin. It was not a grand final. It was, it was just something that I've never really experienced before and I walked out of there going, wow, that was special. That's something I want to be a part of.

5:12And, you know, if you listen closely to my podcast and when I'm on bloke and all that sort of stuff, like you, what, what you'll start to pick up on or maybe on reflection is like how, how often I bring, you know, a player might be playing well, you know, for the Melbourne storm or for the South Sydney rabbit, I was quite often linked to off like how exciting is that for Sam R, for Tonga? And I always just try and keep it front and center because it is something I really do care about. Like state of origin is the pinnacle of our game right now as far as I'm concerned, I think it's the best version of rugby league that we can get. But I do genuinely believe heading into the future that if that remains our absolute pinnacle, we've got a problem. It has to be international rugby league and 15, 20 years ago, that seemed near impossible. I'm the same as you guys. I've grown up watching these international rugby league tournaments where it is essentially rigged so that Australia playing New Zealand or England in the final. And that's just how it's always been. And realistically, when you look at the, how the talent was spread across and how teams were built and all that sort of stuff, I understand why they did it because you're some

6:17hours, you're Tongas, you're Fiji's, all these sides, realistically weren't able to compete back then. But the needle has moved massively. The Polynesian community in our game, it is just growing and growing every single year and it is, it is just so exciting. I always wanted to be a part of it somehow and when this opportunity presented itself and this was an opportunity that was laid out to me, I reached out to Tonga to ask if there was any possibility of trying to do something along these lines and the opportunity was there. There's obviously a pretty big financial investment from me, but the way that I also look at it is that, you know, you hear when players retire and they talk about how rugby league is just given them everything. That is me, that is me. It's given me my friendships, my mates, you know, all my family's obsessed with rugby league. It just, you know, my weekends, even before I was doing guru, we're always built around rugby league and what was happening, all my conversations were built around it, all

7:18that sort of stuff. I do just love the game and I've been able to make a career out of it which has been sensational. I think I've been able to help the game in a positive manner, but I think this is another avenue where I can actually help the game. And you know, I had some people that mentioned me last time and he goes, oh, what are your thoughts on the kangaroos? The kangaroos don't need me. Yeah, that makes no difference to the game whatsoever. But I look at the Pacific nations and the rise and what's happening at the moment and how passionate their fans are and it's something I want to be involved in. I'll never claim to be, you know, Tonga and all from cheering on that jersey from when I was a kid, but I look at the passion that's going on and what's being built in the Pacific nations at the moment in the rugby league world and it is something I want to be a part of. I want to help to be able to build that. And I think it's, you know, my little way of thanking rugby league and trying to give back to rugby league that has just done so much for me and my family as a whole. So yeah, you know, seeing it last night was really, really special.

8:21It is something I'm super excited for. I also, and you know, people will say I'm biased crazy, whatever. I think Tonga can win this World Cup. I really do. When you have a look at the players that we've got on our side and you know, for years it was okay, you know, your summer was your tongas of the world. They have, you know, these great forward packs as exciting back so they don't have the spine players. Like the world has been completely flipped now. You know, I'm looking at our spine and I, you know, obviously we've got Izzy Cartoe in our side. I am just, you know, and any of you that have been listening to the podcast for a long time, you know, I cop stick for sometimes repeating my takes and saying things on shows, but I've really driven it over the last years and ever we're talking about Izzy Cartoe, that I personally believe he will be the turning point in international rugby league. He will be the guy to guide Tonga to something special and I do, I do wholeheartedly believe that. I've always, wholeheartedly believed that. So to be able to announce that sponsorship and that connection to Tonga and Rugby League with Izzy by my side, yeah, that was a really, really special moment for me and I think,

9:26you know, as much as I'm sponsoring Tonga, I love what Samoa have done over the last few years. It was a while there where I was sort of thinking, okay, is Samoa going to be the first team to do this and they might be, but I'm a big believer in Tonga and I think the way that I look at it as well, you know, if there's any specific nations sides that are winning World Cup, lifting trophies, I think that is just a huge, huge win, a huge win for Rugby League and I think that sometimes as Ozzy's, I think we look at that green and gold jersey and it probably doesn't, it probably doesn't have like the rugby league, Ozzy jersey, I'm not sure if it has the significance, it did probably 30, 40 years ago to people and people will push back on that. But I think just with the state of rugby league and how it has all played out over the last 20, 30 years, I think international rugby league, it is not a priority and that's not, or it hasn't been a priority and I, you know, people would push back on that but like, I can see it in my numbers on social media, I can see at the end of every year there's a huge drop off, the care isn't there.

10:28You've seen over the last two or three years that start to change and I do believe that is because of the Pacific nations and I want international rugby league. As an Australian, I want the green and gold jersey, I want to go into competitions and like, we're going to have to put in our best performance to win this game. I don't want it to be, oh, okay, the Ozzy's have had, you know, eight of their best players pull out, the next guys, they'll be okay. I want international rugby league to be at a point where I think the kangaroos jersey means a little bit more. I think origin jerseys have probably meant more over the last 10 or 15 years, probably even further back than that. And I just think via the Pacific nations, I think they are able to lift rugby league to a new level and, yeah, I mean, it wouldn't shock me whatsoever if we get to this World Cup final and the kangaroos aren't in it because I think there is so much talent spread across the board. I know they are still very short priced favourites and as they should be. But when I was over there in England last year watching the ashes, that was unreal. But then I was getting up at 4am to turn on to watch Tonga, to watch Samoa, to watch

11:32New Zealand go head to head back here in Australia in the Pacchamps. And I don't know, for me, I was just sitting there going, I think we've turned the corner. I really do. And I think this is going to be the first real fed income World Cup where there's a couple of teams that could win this World Cup. I think that, you know, I think that when I have a look at the betting markets and whatnot, I think that there are some pretty disrespectful odds getting around the kangaroos at $1.40 very, very short. Tonga is at $14. I just don't think the gap is that big anymore. I genuinely do believe that. Whether I was sponsoring or not, I would stand here and say that. And I just, yeah, I love the squad we've got representing Tonga at the moment. I love, you know, the forward pack is unreal. We've got Izzy Katawa, you know, the back line. Like I'm watching Lecker Hall or Seymour on the weekend play centre. And you know, that was what was one of the most exciting things for me over the weekend is that our outside backs are incredibly strong with, you know, tubes, cola, all these uproptoia, all these unbelievable players.

12:32And I'm watching Lecker out there in the centres on, you know, with a bung hamstring, doing what he's doing, Demetri, coming off the bench, I just, I just love the direction we're heading in and I'm so proud to be a part of it. And I cannot wait to be out there. I'm going to be at all three of the Tonga regular games. And I'll be at their finals games as well for this year. I'm confident they're going to be there. I'm confident they're going to do well. I just believe in what Tonga has. And, you know, the other thing is well for me like doing that photo shit the other day with Izzy Cartel was cool. I really enjoyed that. But at the same time sitting there with Jason Tamololo, one of the greatest players the game is ever seen. Like genuinely one of the greatest players that our game has ever seen or will ever see in the guy that along with Andrew Fafeta who, you know, I say that Izzy is going to be the turning point realistically. We're probably going to look back at that moment. The Jason and Andrew decided to leave the green and gold and represent Tonga as the major turning point in international rugby league. That was what started this wave.

13:34And I feel like this wave is just going to continue to carry. And, you know, I sort of, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when we announced it last night, but just the overwhelming support from Tonga fans, even some of our fans that have mentioned me and literally said, I hate Tonga, but God, I love that someone's getting around us, that someone's jumping on board with us. And, you know, I'm sure there'll be many more in the future. And I think that's the way the game should go because I think there's so many fantastic opportunities to be part of some really special things. But yeah, to be the first one to sort of jump on it, it's something that I'm very proud of because it is something I am very, very passionate about and something that I, yeah, I'm just keen to be involved in. I think that the community feel around Tonga compared to like the kangaroos and whatnot. It's just very different. And it's something that, yeah, I'm just incredibly proud to be a part of. And I can't wait for, I think it's October 17th is our first game. The England's over there in Perth.

14:35I'll be over there for it, which is going to be sensational. Cannot wait for that. But yeah, this World Cup period, it is, it's going to be super exciting. And I think that international rugby league has turned the corner. And I think a big part of why that has turned the corner is because of the Pacific nations. And I think the fans that support the Pacific nations that feel those jerseys, that feel those comments on social media that inspire those boys to go to the next level. And inspire those boys to believe that, you know, you're not just participating for a table, for a chair at the table anymore. You're participating to win the trophies. You're participating to take home the trophies, to represent your people. I just, yeah, I'm just so excited to be a part of it. I cannot wait for this World Cup period and hopefully into the future as well. Hopefully on board with Tonga going to be at every single game. I'm going to really enjoy getting to understand the cultural side. Obviously, as I said, I've grown up with a lot of mates that were Tonga. But I also think that when I look back at how I grew up with my Tonga mate, it was some of my best mates.

15:37Like I still think that, you know, as much as I grew up with them and all that sort of stuff, like I don't really know what he's about their culture. Because I think back then, 15, 20 years ago, when we were growing up, it was almost like it was behind closed doors, it was like those boys sort of hid that cultural, not hid, but like sort of kept it, you know, in their back pocket, the cultural side of things. And now I just, I love the pride that it's being shown with. I love the amount of, you know, Aussie fans that are so interested to understand the culture and understand. Not only where it's come from, but where it's going, I just... Yeah, it's a super exciting time for me. It's definitely the highlight moment of Guru so far. I've had some incredible moments, you know, going overseas, being involved in some really cool things. But for that announcement to happen last night, it was just, yeah, really, really cool to see. And once again, I guess for me, it's my little way to give back to Rugby League that has just given me and my family absolutely everything. And hopefully this can be something that we see more of in the future.

16:38And hopefully it just goes from strength to strength. And I think social media is going to be a really big part of that. If you look at world, sport around the world, there's no doubt whatsoever the important role that social media plays. Not the most important by any means, but it definitely plays an important role, connecting fans, connecting people to their team. I know how keen, you know, from talking to these Tongan players over the last few weeks, just how much they love their community and how excited they are to wear that jersey. And even just saying Izzy and Jace, you know, there's a few more things that dynasty and Tonga have to drop over the next few weeks. From a merchandise point of view on everything, really cool, just seeing how excited and proud they were of those. Really, really cool to see. So we've got, you know, three more games left of the NRL season. Hopefully no injuries or anything. Hopefully everyone is sweet to go. There are a lot of injuries happening around the World Cup. Mostly to other teams at the moment to be fair though. So fingers crossed, Tonga Rugby League, we can get to the World Cup. We can have our full full bill of health pick from the absolute best,

17:39all of the best players that we have to choose from. And hopefully makes him history in this World Cup. And I can't wait to be there for every single step. And yeah, it's something I genuinely believe in and something that I believe in the future is going to change the game. I think history is going to be made very soon. And it is going to change the international game forever. And that's going to be great for the Pacific nations. But it's also going to be fantastic for Australia, England and New Zealand who have ruled the Roost for so long. I think it's all going to even out now. And I think you're going to have genuine World Cup. So we are walking in with six or seven teams that could potentially win this competition, which I think is the direction we need to go for rugby league. And if I can help out with one of the nations, Tonga, in just some way shape or form to be able to lift that, obviously not on the field. I can't do anything about that. But off the field and with fans and everything, if I can play a small role in that, I feel like that's giving a lot back to rugby league. So very exciting. We are going to be on board with Tonga as an official sponsor. For the 2026 rugby league World Cup, I cannot wait for it.

18:41I appreciate all of your support out there. I'm sure there'll be a lot of Tonga fans that might be listening to the Guru podcast for the very first time. So I appreciate having you guys here. Can't wait to meet you all over the next few weeks. It's going to be sensational out at all those games. And I'll tell you what, that's some old game. I cannot wait for that one. It is the final rounds of the regular season of the World Cup the Sunday night. That is going to be something truly, truly special. And I can't wait to be out there with all you guys cheering on Tonga. Thanks, Johnny. It's once again here on the rugby league Guru podcast. This ad is sponsored by Zahk Doc. Hi, it's Danny Pellegrino from everything iconic. Have you been putting off that annual doctor's appointment because you don't want to make the call? Or maybe you've been meaning to find a new dentist, but you have no idea where to start. I find that's especially true and you move. It's hard to find your people. I've been there, which is why I use Zahk Doc. Now, as a busy podcaster parent and someone who's always juggling a million things,

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