In the heart of the action and the aftermath of a fiercely contested match, we sit down with Taniela Filimone, a key player who demonstrated exceptional prowess on the field against the Free Jacks this past Saturday. Despite the team not securing the victory they aimed for, Taniela reflects on the game with a blend of pride and insight, highlighting the relentless effort and the competitive spirit that pervaded the team’s performance.

Q: Taniela, welcome. It was a tough result but good effort against the Free Jacks on Saturday. What’s your analysis of the game?
A: We went into it with the “compete to win” mindset. Even though we didn’t come out with the result we wanted, we still played with an amazing effort. I wanted to win it so bad, but I’m proud of how the boys stayed the course for the full 80 minutes.

Q: Now, you’re a former Free Jack. Was this fixture a happy homecoming or business as usual?
A: Just business, to be honest.

Q: Who do you reckon deserves kudos for their performance this past weekend?
A: I think Jonah and Moni had great carries and dominated tackles, which was exactly what we wanted. Our flankers were awesome.

Q: This was our most physical battle yet. Does that physicality energize the squad, and is it ever detrimental towards the team’s performance?
A: It was a really physical game — we knew that going into it. New England was top of the league for a reason. We fought hard, which we knew we’d have to do.

Q: How much more difficult is an away match contrary to a home match, accounting for travel, time to prepare, stadium environment, etc.?
A: Fan support is a huge factor in a match. That’s the hardest thing about away games. New England had a lot of fans on Saturday.

Q: Jordan Jackson-Hope said that this team is still hungry for its first complete performance. Do you agree with that, and are we building towards that each week?
A: 100%. Jordan’s the man — his performances each week are amazing and he always puts his body on the line. The boys are hungry to go for a full 80, that’s what we want. I was so proud of the team this past weekend, and we’ll look to build on that.

Q: What does it mean for you to represent Tonga in the MLR? Do you know any other Tongans in the league?
A: It’s a huge thing for me to represent where I come from. It’s great to see how the MLR has grown and gotten people from all over the world. Hopefully that can continue.

Q: You spent some time training with the Chiefs in Super Rugby. What did you learn during that experience?
A: Yeah, I spent some time with the Chiefs. The thing I remember most was how fast they practiced. Training was super fast. I also got to experience a new environment and culture, and it was great to see how they prepare and compete.

Q: Up next is a battle against the Dallas Jackals, who just put up 68 points. Has that scoreline been a topic of discussion in the team this week?
A: We’ve been preparing well — we’ll enter with the same mindset of “play a full 80 and compete to win.” They’re a good team. They like to play fast. They have creative ideas that we’ll have to react to.

Q: Without revealing too much, are there any key phases or areas that the team has focused on during training this week?
A: Last week, we found ourselves in a lot of contested kicking battles. We really need to execute well there and give a good chase to win good field position.

Q: What athletes from other sports do you admire?
A: Back in Tonga, I was a 100m sprinter. Those athletes are amazing. My oldest brother was an Olympic runner, so maybe I’ll choose him.

Q: If you want GOLD fans to know one thing about you, what would it be?
A: I love to smile! On and off the pitch, I like to smile.

Rapid fire:

Q: What’s on the playlist to get you hyped up on matchday?
A: DJ Noiz! Island vibes.

Q: Is it a hot dog a sandwich?
A: No. Hot dog.

Q: How many scrambled eggs could you eat in one sitting?
A: Just 2.

Q: Who wins in a 1 mile race, Sean Paranihi or you in hiking boots?
A: Me, for sure! 100%.