NZ Warriors have launched a disaster relief package, as Tongan sports stars react to the volcanic eruption and tsunami in their homeland overnight.
The Auckland NRL team - currently based in Queensland, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions - feature several Tongan players on their roster, including Mate Ma'a internationals Addin Fonua-Blake and Ben Murdoch-Masila.
NZ Kiwis captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is of Tongan descent, while second-rower Eliesa Katoa, hooker Taniela Otukolo and centre Vailiami Vailea were all born in the Pacific kingdom.
An underwater volcano erupted off Tonga late Saturday, generating a 1.2m tsunami that crashed into coastal homes.
"Our hearts go out to Tonga, and especially the families and communities suffering at this difficult time," says Warriors chief executive Cam George.
"Tonga and its people have always held a very special place for us and always will.
"A number of players in our current squad have immediate family or wider family in Tonga. They're feeling for them right now and so is everyone associated with the club."
No details have been finalised around the relief package.
"We're committed to putting together a number of initiatives to provide support in critical areas and I know our players want to do what they can as well."
The Warriors aren't the only ones concerned, with Tongan Olympic hero Pita Taufatofua also losing contact with his family on the islands of Haapai. His father - the Governor of Haapai - was securing their home when the tsunami struck, with no news on his whereabouts.
"Still no word from my father or family," Taufatofua has posted on Instagram. "All communications from Tonga are still down after yesterdays volcanic eruption and tsunami."
He has also pledged his support for fundraising efforts.
Tonga national rugby coach Toutai Kefu is also holding his breath over the fate of his family in Tonga.
"We obviously just don't know what's going on," he says. "We're getting drips of information coming through various sources.
"Social media, I keep rechecking and there's a lot of stuff coming through there, but you just don't know.
"You'd think, in the 21st century, you can get access to information quite quickly, but we just can't get anything. There's not much we can do, except keep praying and hope for the best."
