[citation needed] Being unsuccessful on securing an NRL contract, Tongia made the decision to switch to rugby union in late 2013.

[1] He then moved to New Zealand, in July 2014, it was announced that Tongia had signed a one-season contract with Hawke's Bay for 2014 after impressing at club rugby level.

It saw Tongia achieve a Super Rugby contract, after signing with Dunedin-based franchise the Highlanders for two years as a member of their wider training group.

[4] Tongia was cleared of foul play, the red card was later removed from his record and would face no further punishment after it was revealed it was an incorrect call.

[7] On 23 October 2021, Tongia debuted for Waikato in the National Provincial Championship at fullback in their unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield challenge against Hawke's Bay at McLean Park, Napier.