On Saturday afternoon the roads heading to Go Media Stadium in Penrose were lined in red. Jin Fellet was there, to document Mate Ma’a Tonga (MMT) fans on their way to witness a historic win.

Both Kiwis and MMT fans weren’t disappointed, with the game providing a rollercoaster of emotions for both sides. After gaining a shock 24-point lead, the game was Tonga’s to lose. Despite the deficit, a defiant Kiwis team clawed their way back to eventually draw up the scores at 24-all with 10 minutes remaining. Tonga halfback Isaiya Katoa then slotted a clutch field goal with five minutes left on the clock – the sole point for Tonga in the second half. It would prove to be enough for the win though, with the New Zealanders unable to convert late chances to win or draw the game, including a missed penalty kick from Jamayne Isaako about 45 metres out and two missed dropped goal attempts.

“We’re always backing our team,” says Albert Vete, former Warriors and MMT player. He says Tonga is a “little nation” but because everyone comes together, there’s a lot of support. “It’s good because one thing that it does it brings all the community together into one place to enjoy celebrating our culture.”

Friends Eva, Litea, Maryann and Alex come to league games for the “vibes”. The say that when MMT are playing they come with “full hearts”.