Kristian Woolf has named a strong Tonga squad for their historic three-Test series against England which commences on October 22.
Mate Ma’a will fly over from their base in Redcliffe next week to become the first Pacific nation to play a Test series against England with a whole host of NRL talent on board.
Kristian Woolf announces 22-man Tonga squad for Test series against England
Tyson Frizell will join a pack brimming with power with the Newcastle Knights veteran named alongside the likes of Addin Fonua-Blake, Moeaki Fotuaika and Keaon Koloamatangi.
MORE: New Zealand Test squad named | Australia Test squad announced
Jason Taumalolo is a notable absentee after being ruled out of the series due to off-season injury, while David Fifita and Dallin Watene Zelezniak – who declared himself available following a switch from the Kiwis – joining him on the sidelines.
Three Super League players have been named in Woolf’s predominantly NRL-based squad with St Helens duo Will Hopoate and Konrad Hurrell joined by Huddersfield’s Tuimoala Lolohea.
Meanwhile, exciting prospect Siua Wong has been rewarded for his eye-catching late season displays for Sydney Roosters with a call-up, while Eliesa Katoa and Starford To’a are also new names in the team.
“This squad is a strong mix of both players who have shown their passion and skill for Tonga previously, and a few new faces that have underlined their promise with their form in the NRL this season,” Woolf said.
“The inclusion of players like Fonua-Blake, Hopoate and Felise Kaufusi and the addition of Frizell to a Tongan squad for the first time will give us a great base.
“But this is also a Tongan squad for the future, and we are going to give some of our impressive young players a chance to show their talents on the international stage.”
Tonga Test match schedule vs. England
- England vs. Tonga (St Helens) – October 22
- England vs. Tonga (Huddersfield) – October 28
- England vs. Tonga (Leeds) – November 4
Tonga squad for Test series against England
| Player | Club |
| Latu Fainu | Sea Eagles |
| Addin Fonua-Blake | Warriors |
| Moeaki Fotuaika | Titans |
| Tyson Frizell | Knights |
| Siliva Havili | Rabbitohs |
| William Hopoate | Saints |
| Konrad Hurrell | Saints |
| Isaiya Katoa | Dolphins |
| Eliesa Katoa | Storm |
| Felise Kaufusi | Dolphins |
| Keaon Koloamatangi | Rabbitohs |
| Tolutau Koula | Sea Eagles |
| Tuimoala Lolohea | Giants |
| Haumole Olakau’atu | Sea Eagles |
| Will Penisini | Eels |
| Hame Sele | Rabbitohs |
| Moses Suli | Dragons |
| Tevita Tatola | Rabbitohs |
| Dion Teaupa | Rabbitohs |
| Starford Toa | Tigers |
| Daniel Tupou | Roosters |
| Siua Wong | Roosters |