Date:14/4/13
Tonga Rugby League have today named a 20-man squad for the representative Test against Samoa at Centrebet Stadium, Penrith on Saturday.
Head Coach Charles Tonga, along with his assistant Coach Kristian Woolf, has selected an experienced pool of talent from across the National Rugby League competition which will be captained by Brent Kite.
The international fixture will be an important part of Tonga’s overall preparation leading up to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup where they face both Scotland and Italy in Pool C and Cook Islands as a cross over game with Pool D.
“We are really looking forward to this test match leading up to the World Cup,†said Head Coach Charles Tonga.
“Seeing the likes of Jason Taumalolo, Samsoni Langi, Daniel Foster, and Glen Fisi’iahi, our young talents, and what the future holds for them is exciting for Tonga Rugby League
“It’s also good to have our experienced players like Brent Kite, Sika Manu, Fuifui Moimoi and Anthony Tupou coming back to represent our Nation.â€
Additionally, New Zealand Warriors Silivia Havili has been invited to join the week-long camp for development purposes, along with experienced Mate Ma’a Tonga player, Etu Uaisele, who last represented Tonga in 2010 against the same opposition and lead the Team in the Tongan war dance, the Sipi Tau.
They will be joined by highly respected local Tongan National Rugby League player Sydney Havea, who will take the experience back to the domestic competition.
“The upcoming Test match is a strategic part of our Tongan team’s preparation for the World Cup and a win here will definitely boost morale and confidence, not only for the team but also the Tongan people,†said President of TRL Australia David Vaka.
“Sports (Rugby League) is one of those disciplines that has the potential to impact nations whether positively or negatively and it is my hope and desire that this test match will be the beginning of a victorious journey for he Tongan team towards the World Cup.â€
The fixture kicks-off at 7.30pm on Saturday, April 20 at Centrebet Stadium, Penrith and will be preceded by the Under 20’s State of Origin match between New South Wales and Queensland (5.30pm KO).
Tickets available at proticket.com.au
The entire Tonga squad will enter camp at the Novotel, Sydney Olympic Park at noon on Monday, April 15 (tomorrow).
Tonga Squad:
Richie Fa’aoso – Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Glen Fisi’ahi – New Zealand Warriors
Mahe Fonua – Melbourne Storm
Daniel Foster – Penrith Panthers
David Hala – Brisbane Broncos
Sydney Havea – Hakame Broncos
Silivia Havili – New Zealand Warriors
Brent Kite – Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Samsoni Langi – Sydney Roosters
Siuatonga Likiliki – Newcastle Knights
Sika Manu – Penrith Panthers
Sam Moa – Sydney Roosters
Fuifui Moimoi – Parramatta Eels
Benny Murdoch-Masila – Wests Tigers
Michael Oldfield – Sydney Roosters
Pat Politini – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Nafe Seluini – Sydney Roosters
Jason Taumalolo – North Queensland Cowboys
Anthony Tupou – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Etu Uaisele – Wyong Roos
Fuifui Moimoi
Parramatta Eels
Benny Murdoch-Masila
Wests Tigers
Michael Oldfield
Sydney Roosters
Pat Politini
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Nafe Seluini
Sydney Roosters
Jason Taumalolo
North Queensland Cowboys
Anthony Tupou
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Etu Uaisele
Wyong Roos
