For all the initial negativity surrounding the decision by both Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita to turn down call ups to the New Zealand and Australian national sides respectively, to instead represent the Tongan national side, it has ultimately helped deliver the ultimate World Cup story.
Videos shared by Gold Coast Titans star Konrad Hurrell have helped express the genuine belief in the island nation that this could be a campaign that delivers something special.
There would be very few outside of a few extra proud Tongan nationals who would place the side on level pegging with more fancied Kangaroos when it comes to lifting the trophy, however there is a ground swell of support and belief that is otherwise unmatched.
Tonga were always expected to name a strong side, however the boost delivered by the game's best forward's shock announcement is beyond measure.
Then for one of the game's top props, and arguably THE most damaging front rower in the game on his day, in Andrew Fifita to declare himself available for Tongan selection just tipped the Pacific Island's excitement into overdrive.
I may be getting caught up on the hype train here, but this side is arguably the second most star-studded run on 13 named for the first round of World Cup fixtures.
Make no mistake, this is not a two man side, despite the undoubted pedigree of both Taumalolo and Fifita.
Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, there is a real shortage of genuine world class halves outside the big three nations, although you could do worse than Lolohea and Hingano. Two young, exciting halves, with genuine NRL experience. With all due respect they're not Cronk and Johnson, but they're hardly NSW cup standard either.
Across the backline, you have five genuine NRL mainstay players, three of which have represented at State of Origin level in the past.
In Will Hopoate the Tongans boast a first choice club fullback. The Bulldogs number one did not set the world on fire in 2017, but his talent is undoubted and he is the kind of player who can turn a game on its head out of nowhere.
In Daniel Tupou and Manu Vatuvei the mate ma'a have size and try scoring know how that is almost unmatched. Tupou had a blinder of a season in the tri-colours, and although Manu has moved on from the Warriors, he is a club legend with 150+ NRL tries to his name. Not to mention almost 30 caps for New Zealand.
Although it's the forward pack that has created the most buzz, Tonga are arguably just as well represented in their centre pairing of Michael Jennings and Konrad Hurrell.
Jennings has NSW and Kangaroos jerseys as well as a premiership to his name, and would not be too far outside an Origin recall if the sides were picked today. Hurrell meanwhile could genuinely lay claim to being the most exciting player in the competition on his day. He's certainly one of the most destructive out wide ball runners.
Outside of the Kangaroos centre pairing, this could very well be the envy of every other side lacing up their boots.
However, despite the incredible amount of talent across the back five, as well as two very handy halves, the true main event comes in the Tongan engine room as they have named a pack of forwards that only the Kangaroos can boast.
Try these names out ...
Dally M medalist and undisputed best forward in the game, Jason Taumalolo.
The game's most destructive prop, and Grand Final hero Andrew Fifita.
Wrecking ball Sika Manu.
Perhaps the game's most intimidating forward in Manu Ma'u.
Former New Zealand representative Sio Siua Taukeiaho.
Throw in former Kiwi number one Siliva Havili to round out the 13.
That ... THAT is one impressive side.
If it sounds like I'm leading the Tongan cheer team, you're not too far off.
This side; the talent, the emotion, the ground swell of support. This side will surely produce the story of the tournament, and I can't wait.
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