Leighton and Epalahame Tali were told a week ago they would be sent back to Tonga, effectively quashing their dreams of progressing to first grade in league and union respectively. Leighton is a 17-year-old centre who will be able to accept a three-year contract extension with Wests Tigers, while older brother Epalahame was keen to get straight back to work.

"Hopefully I can start training tomorrow for Randwick and get to play on Saturday," Epalahame said.

"I can't wait to hopefully play the first game back."

Sloppy paperwork resulted in the brothers being sent to Villawood, but the intervention of Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton ensured their stay in Australia was extended. Their cause was helped by the support of luminaries from the the rugby codes, including Michael Jennings, Daniel Tupou, Tony Williams, Bob Dwyer, Alan Jones and Mark Ella. Among them, they arranged for some of the biggest names in sport to be part of a petition which was last counted at 3500.

"I am so happy to finally get out," Epalahame said.

"There was so much support from rugby, both football [codes].

"It was hard, staying in there. It's good to finally get out. The hardest part wasn't seeing my family that much. My uncle came but it doesn't feel the same when you're in here."

Leighton, who has impressed playing for the Tigers' SG Ball side, added: "I'm happy to get out and continue with footy."

The brothers will remain in the care of their uncle and player agent Chris Haddad, who discovered them when they turned up announced as teens in the Canterbury junior league.

"All the Tongan players in the NRL and in union, you can't thank them enough for getting behind the boys," Haddad said.

"This was a time of need and they came through and they will now be able to continue their careers.

"They are both future first graders and are rated by boxing trainer George Tannous as having the potential to become good boxers as well."