Tupou and Wong have been chosen for Tonga’s tour of England.
In preparation for the historic Test series against England, NSW Origin forward Tyson Frizell will bolster a Tonga team that includes seasoned international pros and NRL rookies.
Frizell joins a forward pack already stacked with notable players, including Addin Fonua-Blake, Felise Kaufusi, Moeaki Fotuaika, Keaon Koloamatangi, Tevita Tatola, and Haumole Olakau’atu.
Tonga will become the first Pacific nation to play a full three-Test series against England.
Despite the notable absence of Jason Taumalolo, Kristian Woolf was still able to assemble a strong team, including newcomers Eliesa Katoa of the Storm, Suia Wong of the Sydney Roosters, and Frizell.
The team includes playmakers Tuimoala Lolohea, Will Hopoate, and Isaiya Katoa, and outside backs Konrad Hurrell, Tolutau Koul, Will Penisini, Mosese Suli, and Daniel Tupou will be potent offensive weapons.
Eliesa Katoa, Hame Sele, and Starford Toa are among the fresh faces on the Tonga team who have proven themselves as legitimate NRL players this year.
Due to off-season surgeries or being deemed medically unfit by their clubs, David Fifita, Sione Katoa, Dallin Watene Zelezniak, Taumalolo, and fellow stalwart Sio Siau Taukieaho are all unable to participate in the tour.
According to Woolf, the Tonga team that will play England will feature both seasoned pros and some intriguing newcomers.
“This squad is a strong mix of players who have demonstrated their passion and skill for Tonga in the past, and a few new faces who have highlighted their promise with their form in the NRL this season,” said Woolf.
Tyson Frizell joining a Tongan squad for the first time, along with players like Addin Fonua-Blake, Will Hopoate, and Felise Kuafusi, will give us a strong foundation.
But this is also a Tongan squad for the future, and we’ll give some of our talented young players a chance to shine on the world stage.
“.
Before departing for England the following week, the Tongan team will set up camp at Redcliffe this coming weekend.
The first game of the series will be played at St. Helens on October 22.
Test matches will then be played at Huddersfield on October 28 and Leeds on November 4.
England tour for the Tonga team.
Latu Fainu, a sea eagle.
Warriors player Addin Fonua-Blake.
Moeaki Fotuaika, a Titan.
Tyson Frizell, a Knight.
Rabbitohs’ Siliva Havili.
St Helens’ William Hopoate.
Konrad Hurrell, a resident of St Helens.
The dolphins of Isaiya Katoa.
Storm, Eliesa Katoa.
Felise Kaufusi from the dolphins.
Rabbitohs Keaon Koloamatangi.
Sea eagles member Tolutau Koula.
Tuimoala Lolohea of the Huddersfield Giants.
Haumole Olaka’atu of the Sea Eagles.
Will Penisini, an eel.
(Rabbitohs) Hame Sele.
Mosese Suli (of the Dragons).
Rabbitohs Tevita Tatola.
(Rabbitohs) Dion Teaupa.
Starford Toa of the Wests Tigers.
Daniel Tupou of the Roosters.
Roosters player Siua Wong.
