Woolf Names Tongan Team for Pacific Test
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Sika Manu has been selected as Captain for the Tongan National Rugby League Team Photo: NRL.com
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Townsville Mendi Blackhawks Coach Kristian Woolf will don his second cap this weekend as he prepares for his role of head coach of the Mate Ma’a Tongan National Rugby League side to take on Fiji in the Pacific Test this Saturday.
With the Mendi Blackhawks commitments finalised Saturday night, with a win against Wynnum, Woolf has directed his thoughts to the Tongan team.
Woolf has named a 19 man squad for the test including Will Hopoate, who will make his test debut, and said he will be preparing his team for a tough battle against the Fijian side.
“The team selected are guys that have been rewarded for playing regular and really well in the NRL,” Woolf said.
“There is also loyalty shown to those who helped us in the World Cup qualifiers.”
“It will be great to see Hopoate debut for his country,”
“It’s something that he has had the desire to do for a while now, so I’m happy he will get this opportunity.”
Tongan players are not paid to play in test matches so it is something they do for the love of their country.
“The fact that these boys put their hands up to play shows the passion and love they have for their country.”
“It will be a great game and we are hoping for a successful result.”
Kick off for the Pacific Test Tonga V Fiji will be at 5.30pm Saturday May 6.
1. Will Hopoate – Canterbury–Bankstown Bulldogs
2. Daniel Tupou – Sydney Roosters
3. Manu Vatuvei – Warriors
4. Brenko Lee – Canterbury–Bankstown Bulldogs
5. Moses Suli – Wests Tigers
6. Tuimoala Lolohea – New Zealand Warriors
7. Mafoa’aeata Hinganao – New Zealand Warriors
8. Leilani Latu – Penrith Panthers
9. Siliva Havili – St George Illawarra Dragons
10. Addin Fonua–Blake – Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
11. Felise Kaufusi – Melbourne Storm
12. Tony Williams – Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
13. Joe Ofahengaue – Brisbane Broncos
14. Sione Katoa – Penrith Panthers
15. Patrick Kaufusi – North Queensland Cowboys
16. Leivaha Pulu – Gold Coast Titans
17. Siosaia Vave – Parramatta Eels
18. Samisoni Langi – Penrith Panthers
19. Sione Vea – Tongan Rugby League
