The clash between Tonga and Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup this Saturday in Hamilton is expected to be the biggest of the tournament, but the rivalry between the two Pacific nations turned ugly yesterday when a brawl erupted between fans in South Auckland.
That has led to players from both sides calling for calm from their supporters.
Tonga's five-eighth Tuimoala Lolohea said the brawl in Otahuhu between Tongan and Samoan fans was shameful.
"It's pretty like embarrassing to see that kind of stuff," said Lolohea.
Tongan centre Solomone Kata knows how heated the rivalry can get but said it won't affect Saturday's game.
"Us Tongans don't have hard feelings for the Samoan team," said Kata.
The Tonga team even put out their own video out calling for calm on social media.
Tonga is in Hamilton two days earlier than the Samoans, looking to build off a big win over Scotland.
Kata fought hard for his call-up this week, he even had to convince his NRL club the Warriors to let him play in the tournament after initially being told to rest.
"There's a lot of talk about that, me and our coach. He wanted me to have a break," said Kata.
Tonga and Samoa's match is set to start at 7.30pm at Waikato Stadium this Saturday.
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