By Richard Cowley, Updated: 19/4/13
On April the 20th 2013 rugby league fans will get a taste of that rivalry and pacific passion that was last seen on our TV screens back in late 2008. Samoa is going to take on the might of Tonga once again at Penrith Stadium.
For 2013 Tonga v Samoa International Pacific match report, final team lists before kick-off and photos click here
During the 2008 rugby league world cup (RLWC) a new rivalry was born that matched the passion of State of Origin. Just under 12,000 rugby league fans packed Penrith Stadium to watch the ground shake as Samoa 20 defeated Tonga 12 in a closely contested match. The match itself was full of pacific passion and big hits which would even make non rugby league fans stand up and take notice.
This test match will be a great warm up for Samoa and coach Steve Price as they look to build towards the RLWC being held in England and Wales at the end of the year. Samoa are grouped with New Zealand, France, Papua New Guinea for the World Cup but are expected to finish 2nd in their group and make it through to the quarter finals.
Charlie Tonga will be coaching the Tongan team and will be looking for a good effort from his troops against the fancied Samoan’s. Many expect Samoa to finish top of their group in the World Cup after being grouped with Scotland & Italy.
Fox Sports will be showing the test live on Saturday night at 7.35pm AEST.
To Buy tickets to the 2013 Pacific International between Samoa and Tonga go to https://beta.proticket.com.au/proticket/Events/Details/2467
Game Day Schedule: Saturday 20th April
– Gates open – 12.30pm
– NSW CUP NORTHS v MOUNTIES – 1PM
– NSW CUP WINDSOR v WENTWORTHVILLE – 3.10PM
– U/20’s ORIGIN NSW v QLD – 5.35PM
– TEST MATCH TONGA v SAMOA – 7.35PM
Click Here for more news on Samoa Rugby League
Click here for more news on Tonga Rugby League
2013 Pacific International – Tonga v Samoa teams
Ma’a Tonga:
1 Glen Fisi’ahi – New Zealand Warriors
2 Michael Oldfield – Sydney Roosters
3 Mahe Fonua – Melbourne Storm
4 Siuatonga Likiliki – Newcastle Knights
5 Etu Uaisele – Wyong Roos
6 Samsoni Langi – Sydney Roosters
7 Daniel Foster – Penrith Panthers
8 Brent Kite – Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
9 Pat Politini – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
10 Sam Moa – Sydney Roosters
11 Sika Manu – Penrith Panthers
12 Jason Taumalolo – North Queensland Cowboys
13 Anthony Tupou – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
INTERCHANGE
14 Nafe Seluini – Sydney Roosters
15 Fuifui Moimoi – Parramatta Eels
16 Richie Fa’aoso – Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
17 Benny Murdoch-Masila – Wests Tigers
18 David Hala – Brisbane Broncos
19 Silivia Havili – New Zealand Warriors
20 Sydney Havea – Hakame Broncos
21 Atelea Vea – St. George Illawarra Dragons
Toa Samoa:
1 Matthew Wright – Cronulla Sharks
2 Kalifa Faifai Loa – NQ Cowboys
3 Antonio Winterstein – NQ Cowboys
4 Junior Sa’u – Melbourne Storm
5 Daniel Vidot – St George Illawarra
6 Carlos Tuimavave – NZ Warriors
7 Ben Roberts – Parramatta Eels
8 Jeff Lima – South Sydney Rabbitohs
9 Masada Iosefa – West Tigers
10 Roy Asotasi – South Sydney Rabbitohs
11 Eddy Pettybourne – West Tigers
12 Sam Tagataese – Cronulla Sharks
13 Lama Tasi – Sydney Roosters
INTERCHANGE
14 Leeson Ah Mau – St George Illawarra
15 Martin Taupau – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
16 Mark Taufua – Cronulla Sharks
17 Alex Elisala – NQ Cowboys
18 Tanielu Pasene – Rugby League Samoa
19 Leia Saofaiga – Rugby League Samoa
If you want to find out more about rugby league in Tonga click here
If you want to find out more about rugby league in Samoa click here
