A VIP package the Mate Ma’a Tonga team decided should be given to its president, Semisi  Sika was returned to help with the team’s budget.

All member countries in the Rugby League World Cup 2013 were offered a VIP package for travel and accommodation.

Tonga National Rugby League Cup agreed to give it to Sika. “[But] I decided to donate all that in cash for the team to assist with their budget. It's worth about $10,000.00 Paanga, the  equivalent,” Sika responded to a question by Kaniva News.

The Mate Ma’a Tonga could not make it to get into the quarter final in their pool C after they were edged out by the Scotland team in their opening match.

It is understood supporters of the Tongan team however are planning a celebration event to mark what they call a “superb performance” made by the Mate Ma’a Tonga team in England while attending the RLWC 2013.  

Semisi Sika is the Member of Parliament for Tongatapu 2.