Star forwards Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo headline an impressive 24-man Tongan squad named for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
The addition of the representative middle men bolsters an already impressive squad, with all 24 men either currently playing in the NRL or with previous NRL experience.
Michael Jennings, Daniel Tupou, David Fusitu’a, Will Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell, Solomone Kata, Mahe Fonua and Manu Vatuvei will fight for places across the backline, while Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Sika Manu, Joe Ofahengaue, Tevita Pangai Jr and Sam Moa will complement the go-forward Taumalolo and Fifita provide.
Tonga will start their campaign against Scotland in Cairns before travelling to Hamilton to face fierce rivals Samoa and New Zealand in successive weeks.
Tonga squad: Andrew Fifita, Mahe Fonua, David Fusitu’a, Siliva Havilli, Ata Hingano, Will Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell, Michael Jennings, Solomone Kata, Sione Katoa, Samisoni Langi, Tuimoala Lolohea, Sika Manu, Manu Ma’u, Sam Moa, Ben Murdoch Masila, Joe Ofahengaue, Tevita Pangai Jr, Ukuma Ta’ai, Sio Siua Taukieaho, Jason Taumalolo, Peni Terepo, Daniel Tupou, Manu Vatuvei
