The Tongan side joins this year’s tournament with hopes of getting some of their players into Oceania under 15 teams.

The 2019 AFL Oceania Cup kicked off at Albert Park today with four teams competing.

The Tongan side joins the tournament with hopes of getting some of their players into Oceania under 15 teams.

AFL Fiji Vice-Chairman Saula Tuilevuka says Tonga brings the much-needed firepower to the tournament.

“Tonga came in this year, we are fortunate to have Tonga this year and looking at them play this year they’ve been really competitive. They’ve got some big under 15 boys who have been giving a good game for Nauru and Fiji.”

Vanuatu is not included in this year’s tournament.

The Oceania Cup is part of AFL Oceania’s Pacific talent pathway program.

This tournament will serve as a trial for players to represent Oceania under 15 side to the Brisbane U15 National Championship in Australia next year.