Tonga skipper Sika Manu has been cleared of a knee injury and will lead the Mate Ma’a in their historic rugby league Test against Australia in Auckland.
Coach Kristian Woolf is breathing a sigh of relief after confirming his inspirational skipper in his trimmed 19-strong squad for the October 20 clash – their first Test against world champions Australia.
Just weeks ago, Woolf was gutted by reports claiming Manu had suffered a season-ending knee injury playing for Super League side Hull FC.
Manu leads a strong Tonga squad boasting NRL stars Andrew Fifita, Jason Taumalolo and Tevita Pangai.
“To be able to have Sika Manu in as a leader for this squad is a big plus,” said Woolf.
“This group has shown a commitment to their country of heritage and we are pleased with the calibre of the squad we have been able to name.
“We realise there is a huge challenge ahead of us in playing the current World Cup holders, so we are extending every resource we can to give this challenge our absolute best effort.”
Only one member of the 19-strong squad did not take part in Tonga’s stunning run to last year’s World Cup semi-finals – Manly’s Addin Fonua-Blake.
Woolf also named two development players – Robert Jennings of South Sydney and the Warriors’ Leivaha Pulu.
Tonga will travel to New Zealand next week for a pre-match camp in Hamilton.
Tonga squad: Andrew Fifita, Addin Fonua-Blake, David Fusitu’a, Siliva Havilli, Ata Hingano, Will Hopoate, Konileti Hurrell, Michael Jennings, Solomone Kata, Sione Katoa, Tuimoala Lolohea, Sika Manu, Ben Murdoch-Masilla, Joe Ofahengaue, Tevita Pangai, Jason Taumalolo, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Peni Terepo, Daniel Tupou. Development players: Robert Jennings, Leivaha Pulu.
tuluvota
Guest
I understand where you’re coming from Rory and if this Tongan sqaud was mostly homegrown I’d agree, but they are all tier one players and I thing should match up well with the Kangaroos. This game can go either way. I think this game comes down to Tonga’s defense and discipline.
Magic Mike
Roar Rookie
Australia will struggle if the same forward that played in the PM 13 against PNG is picked for this game against Tonga.
Matt H
Roar Guru
There are some quality forwards in that squad. The Aussies will likely win due to quality in the spine and backline, but they will know they've been in a game, with Fifita, Pangai Jnr, Joe Offa and JT13 coming at them.
RoryStorm
Guest
No Tonga hate terence, just people voicing an opinion.
terrence
Roar Rookie
why the tonga hate?..rugby league should thank tonga for making international league interesting again..
RoryStorm
Guest
Agree with the others on here. The game will no doubt have plenty of footy starved fans tuning in but I can't see them keeping up with the Aussies. Feel they might get blown off the park. Part of me hopes I'm wrong but I don't think I'd be too happy if we lost. As stated above, they did beat the Kiwis but the Kiwis were down on troops after a few quality NZ raised or born, or both, jumped over to Tonga. Australia can always replace a quality starter with another quality starter. New Zealand can't. The Poms thought they had the game won at half time and came out in the second half ready for bed. Any Aussie who jumps ship to play for Tonga should not be picked for the Aussie side ever again. I know the current rules say they can but the selectors should just overlook them. Having said all that, I hope it's a good game. I for one will be watching.
Magic Mike
Roar Rookie
If Tonga get beat by 40 plus points. 2nd test will never happen. Tonga are really nothing. No debt at all and Australia will weather the first 20 minutes and the avalanche of tries will follow.
Christov
Guest
I’ll be amazed if they manage to beat aus. They may have the forwards but everything else is not better than us. They got lucky playing NZ team in chaos, and didn’t beat England (came close is not beat) then they touched up a second their nation. I can’t see it happening but I know the crowd will be packed so I am looking forward to watching