By Elizabeth Winter
As a seasoned athlete of the Tonga Tala, Lucia Fauonuku has represented her country eight times internationally since 2022, playing at both the national and youth levels.
Currently living in Melbourne, she has family ties to several regions of Tonga including Talafo’ou, Kolofo’ou, Haano and Niua Topu Tapu.
Fauonuku’s Tongan heritage is at the core of her identity as an athlete, deeply influencing her passion for netball and connection to the sport.
“When we put that red dress on, it's more than playing for ourselves. It's for our families, the villages we’re from and everyone in Tonga,” Fauonuku said.
When she isn’t playing for Tonga, Fauonuku competes in the Victorian Netball League for the City West Falcons with fellow Tala athlete Uneeq Palavi. Playing in both state league and internationally allows her to continually evolve her game.
For Fauonuku, the PacificAus Sports Netball Series is more than just a competition – it’s an opportunity to connect with her Tala teammates and get back to the root of why she loves netball.
“With the Tala, it's more than netball. Even though we live in different states and countries, we all have a close relationship,” she said.
The Tonga Tala have been consecutive winners of the past four PacificAus Sports Netball Series. This year, they are aiming to secure a fifth win, and with the 2026 Commonwealth Games on the horizon, will be aiming to maintain their position in the top 10.
Fauonuku explains how the team are working hard to ensure they perform at their best this year.
Fauonuku remains in close contact with her Tala teammates during the year.“We keep each other accountable, even when we're all in our own homes. Doing the one percenters, checking in with our staff and physios. We have group chats where we talk every day to keep in touch,” Fauonuku explained.
“We will train the house down, but at the end of the day, we have the best connection.”
Fauonuku explained how the Tala are constantly pushing themselves to improve.
“We've been focusing on trying to get into fifth gear from the outset. We can always push for more,” she said.
“It takes hard work. During trainings or day-to-day tasks we always ask each other ‘Are you rowing the boat?’ because we always have to make sure the boat’s moving forward, together.”
The Tonga Tala have made remarkable strides, jumping from being unranked in 2022, to now sitting at eighth in the world, which comes with plenty of support, as well as pressure, from their home country.
“Everyone looked at us as a small island, and look at us now, we're in the top 10. It just shows that anything’s possible,” Fauonuku said.
In recognition of their success, the Tala were invited to attend Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u Medal Investiture Ceremony in Tonga, where they were celebrated as heroes by local communities.
Fauonuku emphasises how this support and cultural pride through netball have helped her to reconnect with her culture.
“Before I started playing for Tonga, I didn't really know much about my culture. These trips visiting our country with the Tala have taught me so much about what it means to me,” Fauonuku said.
“My connection to my language, my family. Before joining the Tala, I was connecting with them on a surface level, but now, it's so much deeper.
Fauonuku had the privilege to attend the Medal Investiture Ceremony in Tonga.“Tournaments like the PacificAus Sports Netball Series are my favourite netball to play. I used to dread netball, but with these tournaments, I look forward to it and it’s just made my love for netball grow.”
As a Tongan athlete, Fauonuku is playing a key role in highlighting Pacific Islander representation in Australian netball.
The competition at the PacificAus Sports Netball Series will be fierce, showcasing the athleticism and skills of Pacific athletes.
Despite the pressure of facing teams like the Australian First Nations Black Swans, Fiji Pearls, PNG Pepes, Samoa Tifa Moana, and Scottish Thistles, the Tala remain focused and determined.
“Every team is tough in their own way. We can’t underestimate anyone because we have everything to lose,” Fauonuku said.
Amidst the fierce competition and pressure, Fauonuku draws strength from the unwavering support of her family, which fuels her passion for representing Tonga.
“My parents are my rocks, they do so much for me. When I play for Tonga, I know they're cheering for me, it's honestly the biggest love I have from them,” she shared.
Looking forward, Fauonuku hopes to represent Tonga in the Commonwealth Games next year which, if they qualify, will be a historic moment for the Tala.
Fauonuku’s journey, like many others competing at the PacificAus Sports Netball Series, serves as an inspiration to young Pacific Islanders, showcasing talent and the power of sport to unite cultures.
Keep up with all the thrilling action from the PacificAus Sports Netball Series on NetballPass.com.
The PacificAus Sports Netball Series is proudly supported by the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports Program. PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high performance coaching in Australia and internationally.
