Shocking footage of a street brawl in Sydney following Tonga’s Rugby League World Cup victory over Lebanon has emerged, raising concerns about public safety during celebrations by Tongan supporters in Australia.
Australian broadcaster 9 News Sydney released footage of the confrontation in Parramatta following Tonga’s 36–0 victory over Lebanon at CommBank Stadium on Friday, October 23.
The incident follows a separate case in Queensland earlier this month in which a 22-year-old woman, believed to be Tongan, was fined more than AU$6,000 for multiple traffic offences, including driving on a learner licence without supervision.
Footage shared by 9 News shows several people confronting one another outside commercial premises in Parramatta, with one person apparently wielding a long pole.
The cause of the confrontation, the identities of those involved and whether anyone was injured or arrested remain unclear.
It has not been confirmed whether those involved attended the rugby league match.
Auckland celebrations raise concerns
In New Zealand, recent celebrations during the current Rugby League World Cup have also raised public safety concerns.
Kaniva News reported last week that a man was seen removing a traffic pole during celebrations in Auckland and using it as part of the festivities.
Police have also dealt with traffic disruptions and complaints about excessive noise during large gatherings of Tongan supporters in South Auckland, particularly around Ōtāhuhu.
The incidents serve as a warning to supporters ahead of Tonga’s highly anticipated clash with Samoa, highlighting the importance of celebrating safely without endangering others or disrupting public roads.
Woman fined $6,077
In Queensland, police intercepted a Hyundai iLoad in Ipswich on October 14 after allegedly observing a teenage passenger waving a flag through a window.
Officers discovered four 14-year-old passengers allegedly travelling without seatbelts, while the driver was operating the vehicle on a learner licence without an authorised supervisor.
The woman received seven infringement notices totalling A$6,077 and 25 demerit points.
Queensland Police warned that carrying unrestrained passengers posed serious risks of injury or death.
The incidents have drawn attention to public safety as Tongan supporters across Australia celebrate their national team’s World Cup campaign ahead of its highly anticipated clash with Samoa.