Flook family affair as centre takes next step towards Wallaby goal

When Steve and Michelle Flook heard their son Josh had been selected for a maiden Australia A cap, there was no question of them missing the game in Nuku’alofa.

There was, however, the small problem of potentially missing a place to stay.

“We managed to get our flights over but when we arrived, everything was totally booked and we weren’t quite sure what to do,” Michelle said.

“Thankfully we got something sorted – but we wouldn’t have missed this for anything.”

Steve and Michelle weren't the only ones having trouble finding a place to stay with thousands flocking to Nuku'alofa for the historic clash.

Spectators packed out 10,000-seat Teufaiva Stadium and surrounding rooftops for a gripping contest, set alight by their son’s second half runaway try before Ikale Tahi held on for a 27-21 win.

“It’s been amazing to come and see him play, Tonga’s an incredible place and it was a great to be here to watch him,” Steve said.

“Josh has always wanted to be a Wallaby and hopefully this is just the next step on that journey.”

Friday’s clash marked Josh’s third Pacific fixture in 2023 after travelling with the Queensland Reds to Fiji and Samoa, each now a core memory of his young rugby career.

“They’ve all been great and this one’s right up there," Flook said.

"The fans here love their country and really get around their national side, so it was pretty cool experience to be out there.

“It was definitely a physical game, I know all the boys will wake up sore - Tonga have got some very big boys and they can hit bloody hard but I had a great time and both teams had a ball.

“It’s pretty special being able to have Mum and Dad here as well, they’ve been to a couple of my games this year and they’ve been a very big part of my rugby journey so far, so very special to have them here for my first Australia A game.”