Mr Cutforth said if the cup was judged on enthusiasm, Tonga would be in the final and if it was judged on singing, the team would be the winner.
Tongan captain Finau Maka later presented Mr Cutforth with a set of red ties and the mayor said he would wear one during the Tonga vs Canada match.
A Tongan team representative thanked the mayor for the warm welcome and the crowd for supporting them.
Earlier, their opposition, the Canadian team, was welcomed by Year 5 and 6 students of Whangarei Primary School at the Settlers' Hotel. The team camped in the Bay of Islands for just over a week before arriving in Whangarei yesterday.
Whangarei Primary School principal Rob Soar gave the players a mini rugby ball to sign.
He said since learning that they would perform the welcoming ceremony, the students had not stopped beaming and had practised hard.