Rugby league fans celebrated in the streets of Ōtāhuhu as Tonga beat Lebanon in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Rugby league fans celebrated in the streets of Ōtāhuhu as Tonga beat Lebanon in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Police will be out in numbers tonight at the regular South Auckland town centre hotspots where Tongan and Samoan rugby league fans will congregate to celebrate the game between the two Pacific Island nations.
Thousands of fans are expected to take to the streets in their cars which will bedecked out to support their island nation.
The Ōtāhuhu and Ōtara town centres will be a sea of Samoan and Tongan flags as this much-anticipated rugby league match kicks off in Brisbane at 6pm tonight.
Toa Samoa fans gathered at the Sound Shell during the Rugby League World Cup last year. Photo / Paul Taylor
Police inspector Danny Mead wants fans to “celebrate safely” but warned “disorderly behaviour won’t be tolerated”.
“Tāmaki Makaurau police will be monitoring the town centres that traditionally celebrate the two league teams,” Mead told the Herald.
Mt Smart was a sea of red when Mate Ma'a Tonga played the Kiwis in 2022. Photo / Jeremy Ward, Photosport
“As always, we encourage everyone to celebrate safely before, during, and after tonight’s game.
“We remind fans to drink responsibly, have a plan to get home safely and be respectful to other fans, staff and emergency services.
“Disorderly behaviour won’t be tolerated, and police will be on hand to ensure everyone can enjoy their celebrations in a safe and positive atmosphere.”
