Tonga's government declared a public holiday on Wednesday 29 November 2017 to mark the deeds of their rugby league team at the world cup.
The Mate Ma'a Tonga team were presented with special awards by King Tupou VI for their contribution to the sport on Wednesday 29 November 2017.
The King invested the players with an award of the Royal Orders in a ceremony at the Royal Palace.
Tonga's Rugby League World Cup run came to an end on Saturday 25 November 2017 when they lost 20-18 to England in the semi-final match at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
