Penitani ready to ride Sea of Red with Jillaroos

Harvey Norman Jillaroos star Tiana Penitani has urged Tongan fans to get behind her side as they look to topple New Zealand in Sunday's Pacific Cup final. 

The famed Sea of Red is set to descend on a sold-out CommBank Stadium for the quadruple header, with Tonga to take on the Kangaroos in the men's decider. 

Australia will face New Zealand in the women's final in the preceding match, and, as one of three players of Tongan descent in the Jillaroos team, Penitani urged the country's fans to throw their support behind her side. 

"The Tongans know how to turn up and get behind their team," Penitani told NRL.com. "It's going to be a big Sea of Red.

"We've got a few Tongan girls in the Australian team with mixed heritage. We'll be riding that wave of energy and we're really excited to see everyone turn up."

The centre is joined in the Jillaroos squad by Simaima Taufa and Yasmin Clydsdale as players with Tongan heritage. 

Penitani's father's family is Tongan, however she has had limited opportunities to connect with that side of her heritage. 

Penitani took a major step forward in that process when she represented the nation at last year's Pacific Championships.

It was an opportunity to learn more about her background and she's proud to represent both Tonga and Australia every time she runs out for the Jillaroos.

"It was really special to play for Tonga," Penitani said. "To do it alongside my sister was a really big moment for our family. I had always wanted to represent my dad's side but the opportunities had never really presented themselves until last year.

"I wanted to take that opportunity with both hands. It was very emotional. The week leading into it wasn't about football, it was about connecting to culture and finding out my own family history."

While last year was a vital step on her personal journey, Penitani has relished the chance to wear the green and gold for the first time since 2019.

The back has been among the Jillaroos best as they defeated Papua New Guinea and New Zealand on the way to this weekend's final.

Penitani has been required to fill a variety of roles throughout the two matches, shifting from her preferred centre position into the halves when needed.

It's a change the athlete has enjoyed and she'll take plenty of lessons from the experience when she returns to the centres for Sunday's Cup final against the Kiwi Ferns.