Tonga name World Cup squad

Tonga have named a very strong squad for 2017 Rugby League World Cup with barnstorming forward Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita confirmed.

“I really enjoyed my time with the Tongan World Cup squad last time and have had a long association with Tongan coach Kristian Woolf,” Taumalolo said earlier in the week after announcing he would not be playing for New Zealand.

“I just feel it’s time to give back and hopefully I can assist and inspire young Tongan players to chase their NRL goals."

Fifita was selected to play in Australia's World Cup squad but has since switched his allegiance to Tonga.

Tonga World Cup Squad

Andrew Fifita (Cronulla Sharks)
Mahe Fonua (Hull FC)
David Fusitu’a (New Zealand Warriors)
Siliva Havili (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Ata Hingano (New Zealand Warriors)
Will Hopoate (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Konrad Hurrell (Gold Coast Titans)
Michael Jennings (Parramatta Eels)
Solomone Kata (New Zealand Warriors)
Sione Katoa (Penrith Panthers)
Samisoni Langi (Leigh Centurions)
Tuimoala Lolohea (Wests Tigers)
Sika Manu (Hull FC)
Manu Ma'u (Parramatta Eels)
Sam Moa (Catalans Dragons)
Ben Murdoch Masila (Salford Red Devils)
Joe Ofahengaue (Brisbane Broncos)
Tevita Pangai jnr (Brisbane Broncos)
Ukuma Ta'ai (Huddersfield Giants)
Sio Siua Taukieaho (Sydney Roosters)
Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys)
Peni Terepo (Parramatta Eels)
Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters)
Manu Vatuvei (Salford Red Devils)