Samoa, Tonga name star studded teams

Brisbane five-eighth Anthony Milford will pit wits with his Broncos mentor Wayne Bennett when he makes his first appearance for Samoa since the 2013 Rugby League World Cup in next weekend’s Pacific Test against England at Campbelltown Stadium.

PAC

Milford has been named in a star studded Samoa line-up to take on Bennett’s England, which also features Brisbane lock Josh McGuire, Canberra centre Joseph Leilua and Canterbury prop Sam Kasiano.

Tonga have also announced a team littered with big names for their clash with Fiji, including the former Australian Test trio of Andrew Fifita, Michael Jennings and Daniel Tupou.

Bulldogs fullback Will Hopoate will make his international debut for the Mate Ma’a Tonga in the May 6th Test, which is the first hit out for the Pacific nations and England ahead of the end of season Rugby League World Cup.

The Tonga team will be captained by Sika Manu, who has been released by English Super League club Hull FC to play in the annual Test.

Warriors utility Tuimoala Lolohea will play five-eighth - a position he has previously filled for New Zealand - while clubmate Ata Hingano has been named at halfback.

Manly winger Jorge Taufua and Canterbury centre Branko Lee round out the Tonga backline.

“This is the first time since I’ve been involved that every player is coming straight from an elite NRL system, which is really exciting,” Tonga coach Kristian Woolf said.

“It’s the most talented group we’ve ever assembled, so if we work hard as a team next Saturday against Fiji, I’ve got no doubt we’ll fulfil our potential this year.”

Samoa are also missing injured captain Frank Pritchard and the Raiders pair of Sia Soliola and Junior Paulo but will still field a strong forward pack against England, headed by Fifita, McGuire and St George Illawarra prop Leeson Ah Mau.

Fiji will name their team on Sunday, along with Papua New Guinea, who open proceeding in the first Test on May 6 when they take on the Cook Islands in the opening match of the triple-header at Campbelltown Stadium.

Toa Samoa Squad
NB: Players are listed in alphabetical order with an additional player to be included following the completion of Round 9 NRL Telstra Premiership matches.

Leeson Ah Mau – St George Illawarra Dragons
John Asiata - North Queensland Cowboys
Fa'amanu Brown – Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Herman Ese’ese – Brisbane Broncos
Sam Kasiano – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Tim Lafai - St George Illawarra Dragons
Joseph Leilua – Canberra Raiders
Isaac Liu – Sydney Roosters
Josh McGuire– Brisbane Broncos
Peter Mata’utia – Newcastle Knights
Sione Mata’utia - Newcastle Knights
Suaia Matagi – Parramatta Eels
Anthony Milford – Brisbane Broncos
David Nofoaluma – Wests Tigers
Kaysa Pritchard – Parramatta Eels
Sauaso Sue – Wests Tigers
Antonio Winterstein – North Queensland Cowboys

Mate Ma’ Tonga Squad
Will Hopoate – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Daniel Tupou – Sydney Roosters
Brenko Lee - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Michael Jennings – Parramatta Eels
Jorge Taufua – Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Tuimoala Lolohea – New Zealand Warriors
Ata Hingano – New Zealand Warriors
Andrew Fifita – Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Siliva Havili – St George Illawarra Dragons
Leilani Latu – Penrith Panthers
Sika Manu © - Hull FC
Felise Kaufusi – Melbourne Storm
Sio Siua Taukeiaho – Sydney Roosters
Sione Katoa – Penrith Panthers
Joe Ofahengaue – Brisbane Broncos
Siosaia Vave – Parramatta Eels
Addin Fonua-Blake – Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Samisoni Langi – Penrith Panthers
Patrick Kaufusi – North Queensland Cowboys
Leivaha Pulu – Gold Coast Titans
Sione Vea – Tongan Rugby League

Tickets for the 2017 Pacific Test triple-header are on sale now from nrl.com/tickets, with General Public family packages available for $65 and adult tickets available for as little as $25.

By Brad Walter | @BradWalterSport
Chief Correspondent, RLWC2017