A trophy that did not exist last week
Triston Reilly will captain the First Nations and Pasifika XV against a Tonga President’s XV at Teufaiva Stadium on Friday, in the first contest for the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy. The Tongan name translates as “close friends”, which is a fair summary of what the fixture is trying to build.
The concept is not new, but its outings have been rare. Reilly scored a try for the same side against the British and Irish Lions at Marvel Stadium in July 2025, a game the FNP lost narrowly after leading the Lions a long way into the contest. The team then reassembled in April this year for the Hong Kong 10s. This is only its third appearance in roughly 14 months.
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Brumbies down the spine
Reilly has moved from the NSW Waratahs to the ACT Brumbies ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby AUS season, and he starts at outside centre alongside Brumbies teammate Jarrah McLeod. Gage Phillips and Angus Tagicakibau take the wings, with BJ Oates at fullback. Moses Sorovi and Chace Oates form the halves.
Brumbies prop Lington Ieli packs down at loosehead with hooker John Grenfell and tighthead Remsy Lemisio. Tavita Loughland and Sau Vaihu are the locks. Tau Tuisamoa and Davea Teoteo take the flanks with Judah Saumaisue at number eight. Garlen Peace and Denzel Veikune cover the backs from a 24-man matchday squad.
Former Wallabies back-rower Wycliffe Palu is head coach. Vutulongo Puloka leads the Tonga President’s XV, with Netaleni Taufateau as his vice-captain.
Playing in Tonga changes the equation
Every previous FNP outing has taken place away from Pacific soil. Melbourne and Hong Kong are neutral rooms compared with Teufaiva.
“What makes it even more meaningful is the opportunity to bring those cultures together here in Tonga and represent our communities on the international stage,” Palu said. He talked about the reception the squad has had from schools and local clubs since arriving, and about wanting Friday’s performance to reflect it.
The squad list reads as a map of the region: Fijian, Samoan, Tongan, Maori, Torres Strait Islander and First Nations Australian players across 24 names. Assembling that once is a logistical feat. Doing it annually, with a trophy attached, is the actual ambition here.
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