AFL Tonga

PeniPeni Mahina has been selected by AFL TONGA to represent the South Pacific in an AFL match before the leaders, delegates and supporters of the South Pacific Forum held in Cairns next week.

The team which consists of players from right across the Pacific will match up well against an under 23 Queensland All Stars side boasting many ex-Queensland State League Players. The South Pacific team will be coached by Papua New Guinea product, ex Collingwood, Essendon and Brisbane player and 3 time Premiership player with the Brisbane Lions Mal Michael.
Peni, a raw 17 year old from Liahona High School, will surely hold his own while representing Tonga. It is unknown where the coaches will play him, but most likely fit him into a running role, perhaps on a wing or forward flank. His sheer speed, great attitude and attack on the ball will be the highlights of his game. After one of the longest travel itinerary's of the Pacific team to reach the game, AFL TONGA is confident he will be able to cope with the steamy conditions of Cairns and jet lag.

The Queensland team will be extremely tough opposition for the boys but to their credit have put up their hand for their bid for bigger and better things. The game will be physical and contain an intensity never experienced before. Hopefully the Pacific boys handle it in a manner that may suspect that some of them will be playing AFL in Australia in the near future.

All 16 AFL clubs were present at this match with talent scouts scoping out possible scholarship potential. This match is one of many opportunities the young Pacific Island players will get to show their skill in front of representatives from the AFL. The under16 AFL Oceania Cup held in Fiji in December this year will showcase the best junior talent in the South Pacific. Tonga will be playing a team in this tournament and AFL TONGA encourage young men aged 15 to17 to attend training or participate when AFL TONGA visits their respective schools for their chance of selection in the initial squad.

AFL TONGA would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Peni on his selection in the South Pacific AFL team that will compete next week. His attitude was well received by the coaches in Australia and he will do a fine job representing Tonga on an international level. AFL TONGA look forward to monitoring and aiding in Peni's development to hopefully becoming Tonga's first AFL player!

AFL TONGA
30/07/09