Broncos trio Kotoni Staggs, Tesi Niu and Delouise Hoeter will be auctioning off their Round 1 jerseys and boots to raise money for the Tongan communities affected by the recent volcanic eruptions and tsunami.
It comes as head coach of Tonga’s international team Kristian Woolf told The Sydney Morning Herald he hopes to play Samoa in a Test match in Tonga next year to lift the country’s spirits.
Staggs told the media on Wednesday of his plans to help.
“My first jersey and the pair of boots that I wear in the Round 1 game will get auctioned off to raise some money for the Tongan community and my family over there — same as the other two boys behind me,” he said, referring to his Tongan teammates.
The star centre, who said his first trip to Tonga was “probably the best time of my life” revealed he’s yet to hear from his family members over there.
“Our families over there — all their phones are down at the moment,” he said.
“My dad is in America, trying to get in contact over there to let us know, but right now we’re just sitting tight. Hopefully they can use their phones soon, so we can find out if they’re all right.”
Niu agreed that the lack of communication was hard.
“It’s tough not knowing if they’re all right,” he said.
“Especially seeing my mum and dad just stressing, messaging, still no response. That’s the hardest thing.
“Both my mum and dad are from Tonga, it’s sad to see them sad. Knowing their family is struggling right now. No one knows what is happening.
“My aunty has two kids with her. (My mum is) worried about if they’re not eating, where they’re sleeping, it’s going to be cold. We just don’t know yet. It’s devastating... Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Hoeter added: “It’s pretty much a waiting game. We want to send our love and thoughts to them, but they probably won’t be able to see this at the moment.
“My mum — her mum is still in Tonga... They said it’s apparently two weeks until we can get communication with them. The emotions are pretty high, but I just want to be there to support my mum.”
Although Woolf is in England preparing his Super League side, St Helens for another season, the Tongan coach has been in touch with some of his players and revealed they too are struggling to get in contact with family members.
“I know a lot of people over there, I’ve spoken to a number of players who have a lot of close family in Tonga, but nobody has been able to have any contact at this stage — the worst thing is not knowing anything,” Woolf told the Herald.
“You hope everything is all right, and everyone is in your thoughts, but not having that contact at the moment makes it really difficult.
“There are so many terrific people over there, and when our players go over, the way we are accommodated and treated, there is a real sense of belonging, and you appreciate how grateful the people are to have the players.
“It’s devastating to hear this has gone on. The fact there’s no communication coming out of there at the moment, you can only hope everyone has got to higher ground.
“We’d love communication to come out of there sooner than later so everyone can work out what sort of help is needed.
“All the players have either parents or siblings, grandparents, aunties and uncles living there — they have all been affected and are hoping for the best.”
