Mate Ma’a Tonga will face off against Toa Samoa in the Pacific Test at Campbelltown Stadium this Saturday.
The Rugby League Pacific Test kicks off at 7.10pm following the opener between Fiji Bati and PNG Kumuls at 4pm.
The Tongan squad, which has been training under coach Kristian Woolf, includes Jason Taumalolo, who was a key figure in driving a side filled with the best Tongan players from Australia and New Zealand to the Rugby League World Cup semifinals last year.
Taumalolo opted to play for Tonga again, despite the urging of the New Zealand team which wanted him to join their lineup for a game against England in Denver.
“Myself, along with a number of other players, have recommitted to Tonga again because we are passionate about our heritage and we also want to help make international rugby league stronger and the best way for us to do that is by making Tonga a competitive team internationally,” Taumalolo told Australian Associated Press.
The full Tongan lineup is:
Andrew Fifita (Cronulla Sharks)
Addin Fonua-Blake (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Siliva Havilli (Canberra Raiders)
Ata Hingano (New Zealand Warriors)
Will Hopoate (Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs)
Koniseti Hurrell (Gold Coast Titans)
Michael Jennings (Parramatta Eels)
Robert Jennings (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Sione Katoa (Penrith Panthers)
Tuimoala Lolohea (Wests Tigers)
Manu Ma’u (Parramatta Eels)
Joe Ofahengaue (Brisbane Broncos)
Junior Tatola (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys)
Sio Siua Taukieaho (Sydney Roosters)
Peni Terepo (Parramatta Eels)
Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters)
South Sydney Rabbitohs players Tevita Jnr. Tatola and Robert Jennings, are making their debut for Mate Ma’a.
For more information
Jason Taumalolo to stick with Tonga ahead of Kiwis for June rugby league test window