Mate Ma'a Tonga squad announced for Fiji Pacific Test [1]
Monday, May 1, 2017 - 15:55. Updated on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - 17:36.
Mate Ma’a Tonga has announced it’s squad for this Saturday’s highly anticipated Pacific Test against Fiji Bati in Campbelltown, NSW. Fiji Bati has not yet announced it’s lineup.
Tonga’s star-studded line-up will employ the likes of Michael Jennings, Will Hopoate and Andrew Fifita. Will Hopoate will make his debut for Tonga and is considered to be an exciting prospect. Sika Manu, who plays for Hull FC in the UK, will captain the team.
However, there were notable absentees such as Konrad Hurrell and Solomone Kata, suggesting possible intentions to play for New Zealand.
Mate Ma'a Tonga coach Kristian Woolf was pleased with the line-up and said that it was the most talented Tongan team he has worked with.
"This is the first time since I've been involved that every player is coming straight from an elite NRL system, which is really exciting," Woolf said.
"It's the most talented group we've ever assembled, so if we work hard as a team next Saturday against Fiji, I've got no doubt we'll fulfil our potential this year."
The 2017 Pacific Rugby League Tests will take place this Saturday, May 6 at Campbelltown Stadium. Papua New Guinea will play the Cook Islands, while Samoa will take on England.
Mate Ma'a Tonga Squad
1. Will Hopoate – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
2. Daniel Tupou – Sydney Roosters
3. Brenko Lee - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
4. Michael Jennings – Parramatta Eels
5. Jorge Taufua – Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
6. Tuimoala Lolohea – New Zealand Warriors
7. Ata Hingano – New Zealand Warriors
8. Andrew Fifita – Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
9. Siliva Havili – St George Illawarra Dragons
10. Leilani Latu – Penrith Panthers
11. Sika Manu (c) - Hull FC
12. Felise Kaufusi – Melbourne Storm
13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho – Sydney Roosters
14. Sione Katoa – Penrith Panthers
15. Joe Ofahengaue – Brisbane Broncos
16. Siosaia Vave – Parramatta Eels
17. Addin Fonua-Blake – Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
18. Samisoni Langi – Penrith Panthers
19. Patrick Kaufusi – North Queensland Cowboys
20. Leivaha Pulu – Gold Coast Titans
21. Sione Vea – Tongan Rugby League