The Mate Ma’a Tonga is scheduled to play Italy next Friday 20 October in Queensland, Australia. The Italians have confirmed their lineup with a number of notable NRL players such as Mark Minichiello, Terry Campese, James Tedesco, Paul Vaughan and Josh Mantellato. Tonga last played Italy at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, winning 16 – 0.

The ‘warm up’ game against Italy occurs only eight days before Tonga’s world cup opener against Scotland on 29 October. The match will take place in the Queensland town of Innisfail, where Italy will have the home advantage, as the town is home to a large Italian community.

Italy will be captained by second-rower Mark Minichiello who has played over 250 NRL games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Gold Coast Titans.

Terry Campese is a former Kangaroo and during his career scored 345 points for the Canberra Raiders. He follows in the footsteps of his uncle, Rugby Union legend David Campese.

James Tedesco plays for the West Tigers and is a team mate of Tuimoala Lolohea. The 24-year-old has scored 50 tries for the West Tigers since 2012.

Paul Vaughan was a member of the 2017 NRL All Stars and this year played 23 games for the St. George Illawarra Dragons.

Renowned kicker Josh Mantellato, scored 476 points for English Super League club the Hull Kingston Rovers. The former Newcastle Knight is 6’5 feet tall.

Italy Rugby League World Cup 2017 Squad

Daniel Alvaro, Mirco Bergamasco, Nathan Brown, Christopher Calegari, Jake Campagnolo, Terry Campese, Justin Castellaro, Geole Cellurino, Chris Centrone, Mason Cerruto, Ryan Ghietti, Oliver Gildart, Jaume Giorgis, Gavin Hiscox, Jack Johns, Richard Lepori, Josh Mantellato, Mark Minichiello (C), Nathan Milone, Giuseppe Pagani, Ricardo Parata, Dean Parata, Emanuelle Passeral, Eduardo Pezzano, Keiran Quabba, Joel Riethmuller, Brendan Santi, James Tedesco, Joel Tramontana, Paul Vaughan, Jayden Walker, Colin Wilkie and Shannon Wakeman.