Five of Tonga's 'Ikale Tahi players are among the favourites to join the Islanders combined Rugby team that will be announced tomorrow.

The five who left Tonga yesterday, June 10, with the Tonga National Coach Viliami 'Ofahengaue and the Tonga Rugby Union CEO, Sakopo Lolohea, were: the 'Ikale Tahi skipper 'Aleki Lutui, Hooker; Tevita Taumoepeau Prop; Taufa'ao Filise, Prop; Inoke 'Afeaki, Lock; and Benhur Kivalu, No. 8.

The Islanders combined rugby team of 30 players to be selected from the national teams of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji will be announced on June 12 in Suva after the game between the Manu Samoa and Fiji. It is suspected that the five players who left with Viliami 'Ofahengaue yesterday are the Tongan favourites for the Islanders team, after Tonga played Fiji at Teufaiva Stadium on Saturday June 5.