TONGA coach Kristian Woolf will open the 2017 Rugby League World Cup with all guns blazing after
selecting his team for Sunday’s clash with Scotland in Cairns.
Woolf named NRL stars Will Hopoate, Michael Jennings, Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo all as starters in the first of three pool matches.
Mate Ma’a Tonga are in arguably the toughest of the World Cup brackets, with Pool B matches
against Samoa and the New Zealand Kiwis to come.
But Woolf understands the importance of this first pool game against the under-rated Scottish, who
drew with New Zealand in the Four Nations tournament just last year, and defeated Tonga at the
2013 World Cup.
“We know what to expect from Scotland – they have surprised us before,” said Woolf. “We are pleased with the side we have been able to select, but that does not guarantee results.
“The team has had a good start to the camp in Cairns, but need to get our preparation right for
Sunday’s game – these will be testing conditions in the heat of North Queensland.”
After the match in Cairns, Tonga will move base to Hamilton in New Zealand, where they will face
Samoa (November 4) and the Kiwis (November 11).
Mate Ma’a Tonga are supported in this World Cup campaign by the diversified investment and
wealth management company Oreana Group, the Tongan Government (www.Tongaholiday.com),
R.D & S Prior Drainage and Plumbing Contractors, Tonga Power Limited, FI-TA, Tucorp, Classic
Concrete Pumping, EPS Electrical Project Solutions, The Miller Family and Optimum Nutrition.
TONGA SQUAD TO FACE SCOTLAND
Sunday October 29
Barlow Park, Cairns
1. Will Hopoate
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Michael Jennings
4. Konrad Hurrell
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Tuimoala Lolohea
7. Ata Hingano
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Siliva Havilli
10. Sio Siua Taukieaho
11. Manu Ma'u
12. Sika Manu (C)
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Sione Katoa
15. Sam Moa
16. Peni Terepo
17. Ben Murdoch-Masila
18. Joe Ofahengaue
19. Solomone Kata
20. David Fusitu’a
21. Samisoni Langi
Mahe Fonua
Tevita Pangai jnr
Ukuma Ta'ai
