Following months of ongoing speculation, the NZRL has officially confirmed that Tonga will play Tests against Australia and New Zealand.
Tonga will play the Kangaroos on October 20 at Mt Smart Stadium and the Kiwis on June 22 during next season's representative weekend.
"This is a fantastic result for all fans of rugby league and the continued growth of the international game," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg told NRL Media.
"Many people have worked tirelessly right around the globe to ensure this match takes place.
"I'd particularly like to thank the NZRL for their efforts to ensure this match eventuated on New Zealand soil, along with the RLPA and the players.
"Tonga are the fourth-ranked team in the world and have fully-earned their right to take on the World-Champion Kangaroos."
In assuring that the tests go ahead, the Australian team have sacrificed $20,000 of match payments and will instead receive $5000 or less, with the remaining expenses going to the Tongan side.
NZRL chief executive Greg Peters was excited by the development of the international game.
"Kiwi fans have waited a long time, and it is great to be serving up such an exciting schedule of international matches," Peters said.
"The Kiwis playing Tonga on home soil is a Test Kiwis fans and the New Zealand Rugby League community have been looking forward to.
"International rugby league is the pinnacle of our game and these Tests are another step towards developing the international calendar."
It will mark the first time Australia meets Tonga and could be the begging of an ongoing fixture, as the Mate Ma'a build a greater international status and may be added to the Great Britain Lions tour at the end of next season.
