A convincing victory over Toa Samoa tomorrow would assert Tongan ambitions to be recognised as a tier one nation in Rugby League.

Mate Ma’a Tonga players revealed to the media this week their hopes of playing against top tier nations Australia, England and New Zealand. Adin Fonua-Blake said in an NRL statement that the Mate Ma’a Tonga were not far from entering the top tier circuit.

Fonua Blake said, "Now we're one step closer to achieving that goal. By getting ourselves back here and doing our bit hopefully we can get to that stage or set it up for the next generation.”

Jason Taumalolo stated that Mate Ma’a Tonga possessed the talent to compete with the top tier nations and expressed his hope that a test match would take place soon.

“The amount of talent we have, compared to the top-tier nation teams, it’s even”, Taumalolo told the Australian Associated Press.

“The only way to prove we’re up there with those top-tier nations is if we’re playing them. Whether or not that will happen, I have no idea. Hopefully, we get the opportunity some time soon.”

Tonga’s matchup with Toa Samoa will take place at Cambell Town in New South Wales. The kick-off time (Tonga Standard Time) is 10pm Saturday 23 June.