Tonga confirm 24-man Rugby League World Cup squad

Mate Ma’a Tonga have confirmed their squad with one name still to be cut.

WRITER | October 6, 2026 - 8:27am

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Tonga have confirmed their squad ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Tyson Frizell set to play for his third country in the tournament.

The announcement lists 24 players, with a note that one will be omitted, so Kristian Woolf still has a final cut to make before the tournament begins on October 15.

Frizell's inclusion is the standout, as the 34-year-old has played for Wales in 2013 and Australia in 2017.

The Knights veteran becomes the first player to represent three different countries at three World Cups.

In June, he said he hadn't closed the door on an opportunity to play for Tonga again after playing three tests in 2023 when Tonga toured to play England.

The Fainu brothers, Latu, Samuela and Sione, are another talking point.

The trio tried to make the switch to Fiji's World Cup squad; however, they couldn't produce the records the IRL required to prove their Fijian heritage.

Latu Fainu will now play for Tonga, while Sione and Samuela are not named.

Robert Toia and Jojo Fifita, after being in contention for the Australian side, have both confirmed their preference to represent Tonga in this year's World Cup.

The Roosters centre had been reported to be committed to both teams; however, after winning the premiership with the Roosters, he confirmed he would not play for the Kangaroos.

Jason Taumalolo is named for what is expected to be his last World Cup.

Daniel Tupou, Tonga's all-time try-scorer and a hat-trick scorer in his 300th NRL game in July, is the biggest name to miss out.

Sione Katoa, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Paul Alamoti have all been selected.

Isaiah Iongi will also be absent due to a disrupted year with injuries.

Will Penisini and Moses Suli, who were in the mix for the squad, were not included in Woolf's 24-man list.

Keaon Koloamatangi, who played for Tonga at the last World Cup, will take part in the Australian squad after being part of the 2025 Ashes series.