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Tonga Announce Squad for Upcoming Pacific Championships

07/10/2025|SB Staff|NRL News
<h2>Tonga Announce Squad for Upcoming Pacific Championships – Four Pointer Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Tonga names 21-man squad for 2025 Pacific Championships featuring four international debutants including Queensland Origin star Robert Toia</p> <p>- &nbsp; Stefano Utoikamanu, Leka Halasima, and Demetric Vaimauga are the other new faces set to make their debuts for Tonga.</p> <p>- &nbsp; The squad will face Samoa at Suncorp Stadium on October 26 before taking on New Zealand at Eden Park on November 2</p> <p>- &nbsp; Kristian Woolf returns as coach with Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake appointed as co-captains for the tournament</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Fresh Faces Ready for Pacific Championships Debut</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Tongan squad announcement brings exciting news for rugby league fans, with Queensland State of Origin centre Robert Toia headlining a group of four players earning their first international call-ups.</p> <p>Toia, who represented the Maroons earlier this year, will now don the red jersey for his nation of heritage alongside fellow debutants Stefano Utoikamanu, Leka Halasima, and Demetric Vaimauga.</p> <p>Utoikamanu arrives fresh from playing in the NRL Grand Final for Melbourne Storm, whilst Warriors duo Halasima and Vaimauga helped guide their club to the NRL finals series.</p> <p>This injection of new talent adds considerable depth to an already formidable Tongan outfit preparing for their Pacific Championships campaign.</p> <p>The squad will gather in Tonga for a pre-tournament training camp before launching their 2025 Pacific Championships journey against Samoa at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday, October 26.</p> <p>This blockbuster opener promises to deliver exceptional entertainment for rugby league supporters across Australia.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Experienced Leadership Guides Tonga's Championship Ambitions</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Dolphins NRL coach Kristian Woolf returns to steer the Tongan side, bringing valuable international coaching experience to the Pacific Championships setup.</p> <p>The leadership structure features North Queensland Cowboys stalwart Jason Taumalolo and Cronulla Sharks powerhouse Addin Fonua-Blake as co-captains, providing the squad with proven NRL leadership.</p> <p>Following their Brisbane encounter with Samoa, Tonga will travel north to Auckland for their second Pacific Championships fixture against New Zealand at the iconic Eden Park on Sunday, November 2.</p> <p>This match represents a significant challenge for the Tongan squad, taking on the Kiwis in their home fortress.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Star-Studded Squad Balances Youth and Experience</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The complete Tonga Pacific Championships squad showcases a blend of established NRL stars and emerging talent.</p> <p>Penrith Panthers' premiership winners Paul Alamoti and Soni Luke bring championship experience, whilst Melbourne Storm's Eliesa Katoa adds another dimension to the forward pack alongside debutant teammate Utoikamanu.</p> <p>The outside backs feature considerable firepower with Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou, Manly Sea Eagles' Lehi Hopoate, and Parramatta Eels centre Will Penisini providing attacking threats.</p> <p>Gold Coast Titans prop Moeaki Fotuaika and South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker Siliva Havili round out a formidable forward rotation.</p> <p>Dolphins representation runs strong throughout the squad with coach Woolf selecting four of his NRL players: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Isaiya Katoa, and Felise Kaufusi joining the international setup. This familiarity with Woolf's coaching methods could prove advantageous during the Pacific Championships tournament.</p> <p>The tournament structure sees Tonga competing against both Samoa and New Zealand across two weeks, with each match presenting unique challenges.</p> <p>Their opening fixture against Samoa at Suncorp Stadium offers home ground advantage in Brisbane, before the daunting trip to Eden Park to face the Kiwis.</p> <p>Australian rugby league fans can expect compelling entertainment from this Tonga Pacific Championships squad, which combines NRL grand final experience, State of Origin quality, and fresh international talent ready to make their mark on the international stage.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Tonga Pacific Championships Squad</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Paul Alamoti (Penrith Panthers)</p> <p>Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins)</p> <p>Addin Fonua-Blake (c) (Cronulla Sharks)</p> <p>Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans)</p> <p>Leka Halasima (Warriors)</p> <p>Siliva Havili (South Sydney Rabbitohs)</p> <p>Lehi Hopoate (Manly Sea Eagles)</p> <p>Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne Storm)</p> <p>Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins)</p> <p>Sione Katoa (Cronulla Sharks)</p> <p>Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins)</p> <p>Tolu Koula (Manly Sea Eagles)</p> <p>Isaiah Iongi (Parramatta Eels)</p> <p>Soni Luke (Penrith Panthers)</p> <p>Will Penisini (Parramatta Eels)</p> <p>Jason Taumalolo (c) (North Queensland Cowboys)</p> <p>Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters)</p> <p>Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters)</p> <p>Stefano Utoikamanu (Melbourne Storm)</p> <p>Demitric Vaimauga (Warriors)</p> <p>Siua Wong (Sydney Roosters)</p>

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