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MATE Ma’a Tonga Rugby League have named a 19-man squad ahead of their first game against Steve McCormack's Scotland side at Workington tonight, Tuesday.
With a mix of experienced heads like captain Brent Kite, Saints' Willie Manu and Fuifui Moimoi, teamed with young exciting players, including Manly Sea Eagle Jorge Taufua and NRL Premiership winning winger Daniel Tupou, Tonga are ready to show their strength ahead of playing in Leigh.
Taufua and Tupou, along with Sosaia Feki and Konrad Hurrell, are in line to put on the red jersey for the first time.
Manu and Mickey Paea are the only two players who have appeared in the previous RLWC in 2008.
Head coach Charles Tonga said: “We are very proud of all the boys, and it was a very tough decision for myself and my Coaching staff, but like the players, we all have a job to do.
“We have become a very close unit since coming together two-and-a-half weeks ago, and I reminded the boys to make the most of every opportunity.”
Assistant Coach Kristian Woolf said about team selection: “It is difficult.. and it’s positive it’s difficult, and the reason it’s difficult is because every bloke here has done their best and put their best foot forward, to give themselves every opportunity to make the side, and I can’t give (them) enough raps to how (they’ve) gone about (their) business.”
The Mate Ma’a Tonga team will head to Workington on Monday.
Tonga's 19-man squad:
1. Glen Fisi’iahi
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Jorge Taufua
4. Konrad Hurrell
5. Sosaia Feki
6. Samisoni Langi
7. Daniel Foster
8. Brent Kite
9. Siliva Havili
10. Fuifui Moimoi
11. Sika Manu
12. Jason Taumalolo
13. Willie Manu
14. Nafe Seluini
15. Ben Murdoch-Masila
16. Ukuma Ta’ai
17. Mickey Paea
18. Siosaia Vave
19. Siuatonga Likiliki
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