Tonga's National Women's Rugby League team has been invited to compete in the 3rd Women's Rugby League World Cup, on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, from November 3-16.

The team was named 'Esiafi by Princess Pilolevu Tuita

The last Women's Rugby World Cup tournament in 2005 was held in Auckland, New Zealand, where Tonga played in the Bowl final. New Zealand won both the 2000 and 2005 competitions.

In a statement today the Tonga Women's Rugby League said that Tonga has improved to a higher level since the last world cup.

The squad has been training together for three months at Teufaiva Stadium and will leave on Thursday October 30, with the help of Venusi Taumoepeau and Sione Kaafi. 'Esiafi will play Samoa at Stockland Park, Sunshine Coast on November 6, New Zealand on Saturday 8 and against the Pacific Island Team on Monday November 10 in the pool matches.

Twenty one players have been selected to represent Tonga at the World Cup and six team officials will accompany the team. The players are:

Forwards:

Lute Lamisisi, Tupou Tu'ifua, Siulolo Taufa, Melelua Veamatahau, Fa'asalu Fifita, Vea Toluta'u, Tokilupe Veamatahau, Fehoko Tu'ivai, 'Ana 'Iongi.

Backs:

Sala Veamatahau, 'Atelaite Manu, Seini Malungahu, Lilo Malungahu, Fakaola Malungahu, Renee Folaumoetu'i, Lupe Fisilau, Lose Palahame, Lata Lelenga Tu'ifutuna, Pesalini Lave, Milika Tonga Funaki, Mele Moli.

OfficialsFatafehi Tuita (Women...’s Rugby League President Representative), Mark Hojelsen (Manager), Tara Naige (Coach), Netina Latu (Trainer), Sione Kaho (Technical Adviser), Sonata Tupou (Team Officer)