By Elizabeth Winter
At just 20 years old, GIANTS training partner Monika ‘Otai is a rising star.
Coming through the GIANTS Academy and the Netball NSW pathway, ‘Otai has already achieved plenty in her career.
The goal shooter captained Australia's Fast5 gold medal team at the 2023 Trinbago Commonwealth Youth Games, represented Australia at the Rising Stars 21/U Tour in Fiji in 2024, and made her SSN debut in 2025 as the GIANTS’ eleventh player.
Goal shooter Monika 'Otai has been signed as a GIANTS training partner for 2026.
Most recently, ‘Otai took on a vice-captain role in the Australian Pathways team at the inaugural Tala-Tutone Tour which took place in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
The tour celebrated the 150th Anniversary of Tonga’s Constitution and marked the first time their national team competed on home soil.
Supported by the Tongan Government and PacificAus Sports, the tour held special significance for ‘Otai in particular. The goaler proudly represented Australia while honouring her Tongan ancestry.
“My mum is from Kolomotu’a and my dad is from Ma’ufanga. So, this means everything to represent my heritage,” ‘Otai shared.
For athlete Monika 'Otai, the Tala-Tutone Tour held special significance.During the tour, players attended the Australian High Commission Residence, where ‘Otai joined Tonga Tala captain Hulita Veve to give speeches on the significance of competing in the tour.
Guests included Her Majesty Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho as well as players’ families and government representatives.
Pride and emotion were felt by everyone present.
“I’m a very proud Australian and Tongan, so this tour feels much deeper than a campaign,” 'Otai said.
“For me, it’s acknowledging my parents, my grandparents, my ancestors, and the country they walked on.
“I hope when Australians and Tongans see me hopping on the court, they see you can do both, you can represent your country and also your heritage.”
'Otai gave a heartfelt speech alongside Tala captain Hulita Veve at the Australian High Commission in Tonga.NETBALL ORIGINS
‘Otai first picked up a netball after watching her cousins play – from there a fire was lit in her heart, as explained by her mum, Ana Fifita-‘Otai.
“There was a game where Mon’s team were down by two. The coach told them to get the ball fast down the other side of the court,” Fifita-‘Otai shared.
“Mon got the ball and threw it across two thirds to the shooter. After she was penalised, the coach asked her, ‘Why did you throw the ball that far?’ she responded, ‘You told us to get the ball there quick and that's the quickest way I can’. She was only maybe 11 or 12.”
'Otai's family herald from Kolomotu’a and Ma’ufanga in Tonga.‘Otai continues to show intensity and passion every time she steps on the court, only now with a little more expertise.
In 2024, ‘Otai was recruited as a GIANTS training partner in the Suncorp Super Netball league. One year later she made her debut – a surreal moment for the goal shooter.
“As a little girl, this was a dream of mine. It was amazing to get the opportunity, at the time it didn’t feel real,” she explained.
“It was good to have all the girls around me; they're like my best friends. They were talking me through it which gave me confidence.
“I've got my best friend Hope White at the GIANTS with me, so it's pretty cool turning up to training with her.
“It's funny because we never leave each other's side. If one of us is around, you can guarantee, the other one's there too.”
'Otai will continue as a training partner for the GIANTS in 2026.REPRESENTING HERITAGE
‘Otai proudly honours her Tongan heritage whenever she steps onto the court.
For her mum, Ana Fifita-‘Otai, seeing her daughter represent Australia at the Tala-Tutone Tour was deeply emotional.
“Tonga is where I grew up, this is my childhood,” she said.
“Both my husband and I were born and raised here. We moved to Australia in 1997 when I got the opportunity to study opera in Sydney.
“To be here watching Monika represent Australia, I don't know how to explain it. It’s more than life itself. I’m very grateful.”
'Otai and her mum celebrated their Tongan ancestry at the Tala-Tutone Tour.The legacy of her family’s achievements continues to fuel the young star’s passion for netball.
“My mum is my biggest inspiration,” ‘Otai shared.
“She moved to Australia from Tonga at a young age. She challenged herself and stepped outside her comfort zone taking any opportunity she could.
“I feel like I can do anything because of what my parents achieved. Their work ethic is what keeps me motivated.”
During the Tala-Tutone Tour, ‘Otai was excited to connect with the local community, particularly young aspiring netballers.
‘Otai and fellow teammate Nicola Barge ran a community netball clinic in her mum’s home village, honouring her family and background.
“I hope when young girls growing up in Tonga watch me play know they can achieve anything, no dream is too big,” she shared.
“I hope to inspire the next generation, so they know they can do anything, no matter where they come from or who they’re representing.”
The Tala-Tutone Tour was supported by the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports program, an initiative which builds people-to-people links and further strengthens Australia and the Pacific’s close regional ties through a shared love of sport.
Interested in Netball Australia’s international development work? See more here.
