Josh Tatofi, a proud son of the Pacific, brought his voice and heart to Eden Park in Aotearoa, performing the Tongan national anthem before the clash between the New Zealand Kiwis and Tonga and following it with a post-match concert that left fans buzzing. Over 40,000 passionate supporters were in attendance, and Josh’s energy carried through the stadium from the first note to the final encore.
For Tonga fans, the red stayed strong, creating a sea of red that was nothing short of magical. The atmosphere was electric, with fans singing, cheering, and waving flags. Josh performed in Tongan and shared his hits, turning the post-match moment into a celebration that united both Tongan supporters and Kiwi fans alike. The joy and pride of the Tongan community were on full display, creating unreal scenes that will be remembered for years.
Reflecting on the experience, Josh shared on social media, “To be able to perform the Tongan national anthem in front of the largest rugby league crowd in NZ in a decade... nothing short of a blessing.” He also posted a recap of the post-game performance, saying, “Still taking it all in. Forever grateful.”
Josh Tatofi’s performance was more than just music. It was a cultural celebration, a uniting force, and a reminder of the passion, pride, and joy the Pacific brings to rugby league. From anthem to encore, he gave fans a moment they will never forget.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, November 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 11).
November 2025 · Digital Magazine
