Teen Sensation: Exciting New Name for Australia’s Men’s Sevens Team Unveiled in Perth

Teenage speedster Hadley Tonga is set to burst onto the scene for Australia at the Perth Sevens World Series event taking place from January 24-26.

The prodigious talent from The King’s School in western Sydney has been a part of the national sevens program since 2023 and would likely have already debuted for the national side were it not for injury issues.

Prior to committing to rugby, Tonga attracted interest from NRL clubs such as the Eels and Dolphins, ultimately signing a long-term deal that is intended to see him join the Waratahs following his stint in sevens.

The 19-year-old is said to possess speed comparable to that of Corey Toole.

“Hadley is one of the most thrilling young talents in rugby,” remarked then-national coach John Manenti in 2023.

“He’s incredibly quick and very elusive. Though he is still young, I believe he has the potential to make a significant impact this year.”

New head coach Liam Barry is also excited to welcome back experienced playmaker Maurice Longbottom from injury, while Josh Turner has stepped in to replace Nathan Lawson following his transfer to the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Co-captain Henry Paterson will miss out due to an ankle injury.

“The team has had a solid preparation and is eager to play their home tournament in front of friends and family in Perth,” Barry expressed.

“We’re thrilled to bring Josh Turner and Maurice Longbottom back into the squad. Hadley Tonga is eyeing his debut in Perth, which is exciting for all of us,” Barry noted.

“Few teams get to play at home, so our players understand the expectations that come with it, and we’re looking forward to seizing this opportunity.”

In a related update, the women’s coach Tim Walsh has made one adjustment to his squad, bringing back Demi Hayes in place of Sariah Paki (calf strain).

Both Australian teams finished as runners-up in Perth last year.

“Perth put on an incredible event last year, and we’re looking to join the Aussie summer festivities and fully express ourselves on the field,” Walsh said.

“We only get to showcase international sevens on home turf once a year, and there’s no better time to embrace our rugby. Bella Nasser will captain the side again following a successful first outing in Dubai.

“We intend to continue developing our young talents alongside our existing elite rugby players. With five more global series tournaments ahead, culminating in a championship final in Los Angeles, it’s shaping up to be an exciting year for our sevens players.”

The men’s team will compete in Pool A alongside Argentina, South Africa, and the USA, while the women’s side is placed in Pool C with matches against China, France, and Spain.