Tonga's national rugby league team the Mate Ma'’a Tonga beat Samoa 18-10 on October 22 at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, United Kingdom, to qualify for the 2008 World Cup in Australia.

The Mate Ma'a Tonga becomes the first team to qualify for the World Cup from the pool stages with Fiji also qualifying as runners-up, while Samoa will have to go through more qualifying matches next year in the reperchage competition.

The Tonga v Samoa match also completes the final match for the Pacific Qualifiers for the World Cup that began in Australia on September 29 between Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, and the opening match for the new Federation Shield Cup tournament that is currently being held in France and England involving both countries with Samoa and Tonga.

Federation Shield Cup

Tonga...’s next game in the Federation Shield will be against England on October 29 at Twickenham Stoop, London, and against France on November 5 at the Halton Stadium, Widnes.

The Mate Ma...’a Tonga 24 member squad for the tournament is;

1.John Sinisa, Balmain Tigers

2.Tyron Smith, London Broncos

3.Andrew Emelio, Bulldogs

4.Fetuli Talanoa, Rabbitohs

5.Makasini Ritcher, West Magbies

6.Simione Foliaki, Vaini Doves

7.Joel Taufa...’ao, Souths Premier

8.David Pangai, Roosters

9.Kim Uasi, Manukau Counties, NZ

10.Fuifui Moimoi, Eels

11.Solomone Haumono, London Broncos, Captain

12.Feleti Mateo, Eels

13.Willie Tupou, St George

14.Lopini Paea, Roosters

15.Mickey Paea, Roosters

16.Lelea Paea, Roosters

17.Richard Fa...’aoso, Castleford Tigers

18.Saia Makisi, North Sydney Bears

19.Samuela Moa, West Tigers

20.Vaea Falemaka, Rabbitohs

21.Taniela Tuiaki, West Tigers

22.Taufa Fukofuka, Mu...’a Saints

23.Charlie Tonga, Roosters

24....‘Etuate Uaisele, Eels

Jimmy Dimmock, Head Coach

The Federation Shield final will be held at Halton stadium, Widnes on November 12.