Saturday's anticipation, Mate Ma'a Tonga face off Kiwis [1]
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Friday, June 24, 2022 - 18:59
Jason Taumalolo will lead Tonga against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday 25 June.
Tonga Rugby League guarantees an electric atmosphere in Auckland tomorrow, Saturday, 25 June, when rugby league makes an emotional return to Mt Smart Stadium. The teams for the highly anticipated Mate Ma’a Tonga game against the Kiwis were announced by the NRL on 22 June.
"The Warriors last home game before the COVID-19 pandemic was on August 30, 2019 and the last test match played on the ground was five-weeks before that on 22 June, when New Zealand beat Tonga 34-14," stated TRL
Jason Taumalol will co-captain the team in his 14th international for Tonga alongside respected Rooster Siosiua Taukeiaho, who plays his 12th Test for Tonga.
Meanwhile, in Nuku'alofa a float parade will be held on Friday afternoon, 24 June to show the country's support for the Mate Ma'a Tonga organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Mate Ma’a Tonga
Backs
- Toluta’u Koula
- Christian Tu’ipulotu
- Will Penisini
- Moses Suli
- Sione Katoa
- Kotoni Staggs
- Talatau Amone
Forwards
- Addin Fonua-Blake
- Siliva Havili
- Siosiua Taukei’aho
- Sitili Tupouniua
- Keaon Koloamatangi
- Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
- Soni Luke
- Haumole Olakau'atu
- Tevita Tatola
- Moeaki Fotu’aika
Reserves
- Joe 'Ofahengaue
- Eliesa Katoa
- Iiya Katoa
New Zealand
Backs
- Joseph Manu
- Ronaldo Mulitalo
- Marata Niukore
- Peta Hiku
- Jordan Rapana
- Dylan Brown
- Jahrome Hughes
Forwards
- Jesse Bromwich
- Brandon Smith
- James Fisher-Harris
- Isaiah Papali'i
- Kenneath Bromwich
- Joseph Tapine
Interchange
- Kieran Foran
- Moses Leota
- Nelson Asofa-Solomona
- Briton Nikora
Reserves
- Jordan Riki
- Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
- Te Maire Martin
Match officials
Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Rugby League [6]