NSW Origin stars Daniel Tupou and Kotoni Staggs have been named to the Mate Ma’a Tonga team for the upcoming Test against New Zealand in Auckland.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf named a 25-man squad ahead of the June 25 test, with Tupou named at the end and Staggs at five-eighth, despite the pair playing with the Blues in the first game. Originally from last week.
Second t-shirt manly Haumole Olakau’atu and Cronulla power plant Siosifa Talakai, who have been named as aspirants to join the NSW team for Origin II in Perth on June 26, have also been included together with Jason Taumalolo, Addin Fonua- Blake and Tevita Pangai jnr.
Under international eligibility rules, players can play for both their state and Tonga.
Tonga will be coached by interim coach Dean Young for this match with Woolf unavailable due to English Super League obligations to St Helens.
Jason Taumaolo after the Tonga Test match against Australia in 2018. © NRL Photos
Woolf said Tonga had named their strongest national team available as the Pacific nation seeks to provide the best possible squad for the season-ending World Cup in England.
“We have named a powerful team that includes experienced players who have helped Tonga achieve victories in the past,” Woolf said.
“There are also a few new players in the squad that will be important as we move forward in a World Cup year and beyond.
If as many of our players as possible play representative football next week, our squad for the World Cup will be stronger.
Christian Woolf, Tonga coach
“There are players who can play in both the home state and Tonga, and the decision on where they will play will be made on Sunday, when the interstate and international teams are selected for next week’s representative matches.
“What we do not want to happen is that players who have this double eligibility are not chosen in a squad and then lose being available to play in another team.
Tonga selection
- Tolotau Koula (sea eagles)
- Daniel Tupou (Roosters)
- Sharks
- Mosese Suli (Dracs)
- Sione Katoa (sharks)
- Cotton Staggs (Broncos)
- Talatau Amone (Dracs)
- Siosiua Taukieaho (galls)
- Silver Havili (Rabbitohs)
- Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors)
- Sitili Tupouniua (roosters)
- Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs)
- Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys)
- Soni Luke (Panthers)
- Haumole Olakau’atu (sea eagles)
- Tevita Pangai jnr (Bulldogs)
- Avoid Tatola (Rabbitohs)
- Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans)
- Will Penisini (Eels)
- Isaiya Katoa (Panthers)
- Andrew Fifita (Sharks)
- Joe Ofahengaue (Wests Tigers)
- Starford To’a (Wests Tigers)
- Christian Tuipulotu (sea eagles)
- Eliesa Katoa (Guerreros)
Coach: Dean Young
The International Rugby League returns to New Zealand with the Kiwi Ferns facing Tongan women and the Kiwis facing Tonga in a double match at Mt Smart Stadium on 25 June. Get your tickets here.