Pacific Tests - June 25th

[UTK]

9 hours ago, Scubby said:

Neither RCG, Sims or Staggs will probably turn out this weekend as if you play for a country you have to stick with them for a calendar year. That means you could not play for Australia in the RLWC.

Woolf has already confirmed Staggs will now fly over to NZ to join Tonga.

RCG and Sims are probably long odds to turn out for Fiji at the WC if they miss Australian selection anyway, neither have decided to play for Fiji for some time now.

[Scubby]

16 minutes ago, UTK said:

Woolf has already confirmed Staggs will now fly over to NZ to join Tonga.

RCG and Sims are probably long odds to turn out for Fiji at the WC if they miss Australian selection anyway, neither have decided to play for Fiji for some time now.

Good news about Staggs he is an x-factor for Tonga.

[jim_57]

8 hours ago, Damien said:

I actually don't think the Origin coaches give a damn if players pick Australia or not, they just want to win the series with the best players they can pick.

I don’t think Slater or Fittler would care too much but other coaches in the future might see it differently.

Mal has said he wants players to declare now for Kangaroos or Island nations so I’m sure we’ll hear of a few after Origin who choose an Island first and the rest will play Kangaroos if selected or back up for an Island.

Scary thing is players like Kikau, Sivo and Olam are now qualified for Australia under the 5 year rule. Mal has done it before..

[UTK]

1 hour ago, jim_57 said:

I don’t think Slater or Fittler would care too much but other coaches in the future might see it differently.

Mal has said he wants players to declare now for Kangaroos or Island nations so I’m sure we’ll hear of a few after Origin who choose an Island first and the rest will play Kangaroos if selected or back up for an Island.

Scary thing is players like Kikau, Sivo and Olam are now qualified for Australia under the 5 year rule. Mal has done it before..

Positive of the new eligibility rules is guys like Sivo/Kikau/Olam/Staggs will all be locked into their respective countries this weekend.

So even if the Kangaroos have a catastrophic injury toll at the end of the year Staggs will be playing for Tonga at the WC.

[StandOffHalf]

Hope as many as possible play this weekend and are locked in for nations come the WC.

I like what Meninga has said about wanting players to state now which country they wish to represent. It seems an eminently sensible idea, and would provide clarity to coaches and set-ups.

[StandOffHalf]

A ''smorgasbord of rep football'', leading up to ''the big one - the reason we have a rep round this weekend''.

Graham Annesley

What you need to know about Representative Round | NRL.com

[Damien]

10 minutes ago, StandOffHalf said:

A ''smorgasbord of rep football'', leading up to ''the big one - the reason we have a rep round this weekend''.

Graham Annesley

What you need to know about Representative Round | NRL.com

At every opportunity the NRL just looks to put the international game in its place.

[UTK]

Some updated team lists:

Samoa

1. Charlie Staines 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Jaxson Paulo 5. David Nofoaluma 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Anthony Milford 8. Martin Taupau 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Francis Molo 11. Josh Schuster 12. Jaydn Su'a 13. Josh Aloiai 14. Fa'amanu Brown 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Bunty Afoa

Cook Islands

1. Kayal Iro 2. Steven Masters 3. Anthony Gelling 4. Reuben Rennie 5. Malachi Morgan 6. Esan Masters 7. Reece Joyce 8. Vincent Rennie 9. Aaron Teroi 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Pride Peterson-Robati 13. Tinirau Arona 14. Brody Tamarau 15. Moses Noovao-McGreal 16. Makahesi Makatoa 17. Davvy Moale

PNG

1. Alex Johnston 2. Robert Derby 3. David Mead 4. Justin Olam 5. Terry Wapi 6. Kyle Laybutt 7. Lachlan Lam 8. Epel Kapinias 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Sylvester Namo 11. Dan Russell 12. Nixon Putt 13. Jacob Alick 14. Liam Horne 15. Emmanuel Waine 16. McKenzie Yei 17. Dilbert Isaac

Fiji

1. Sunia Turuva 2. Mikaele Ravalawa 3. Semi Valemei 4. Waqa Blake 5. Maika Sivo 6. Kevin Naiqama 7. Nautu'a Masima 8. Joseph Ratuvakacerivalu 9. Penioni Tagituimua 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Taniela Sadrugu 13. Taane Milne 14. Isaac Lumelume 15. Pio Seci 16. Lamar Manuel-Liolevave 17. Kaylen Miller

NZ

1. Joseph Manu 2. Ronaldo Mulitalo 3. Marata Niukore 4. Peta Hiku 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Kieran Foran 15. Moses Leota 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Briton Nikora

Tonga's team list is set to be finalised at some point today.

[jim_57]

36 minutes ago, UTK said:

Some updated team lists:

Samoa

1. Charlie Staines 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Jaxson Paulo 5. David Nofoaluma 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Anthony Milford 8. Martin Taupau 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Francis Molo 11. Josh Schuster 12. Jaydn Su'a 13. Josh Aloiai 14. Fa'amanu Brown 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Bunty Afoa

Cook Islands

1. Kayal Iro 2. Steven Masters 3. Anthony Gelling 4. Reuben Rennie 5. Malachi Morgan 6. Esan Masters 7. Reece Joyce 8. Vincent Rennie 9. Aaron Teroi 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Pride Peterson-Robati 13. Tinirau Arona 14. Brody Tamarau 15. Moses Noovao-McGreal 16. Makahesi Makatoa 17. Davvy Moale

PNG

1. Alex Johnston 2. Robert Derby 3. David Mead 4. Justin Olam 5. Terry Wapi 6. Kyle Laybutt 7. Lachlan Lam 8. Epel Kapinias 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Sylvester Namo 11. Dan Russell 12. Nixon Putt 13. Jacob Alick 14. Liam Horne 15. Emmanuel Waine 16. McKenzie Yei 17. Dilbert Isaac

Fiji

1. Sunia Turuva 2. Mikaele Ravalawa 3. Semi Valemei 4. Waqa Blake 5. Maika Sivo 6. Kevin Naiqama 7. Nautu'a Masima 8. Joseph Ratuvakacerivalu 9. Penioni Tagituimua 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Taniela Sadrugu 13. Taane Milne 14. Isaac Lumelume 15. Pio Seci 16. Lamar Manuel-Liolevave 17. Kaylen Miller

NZ

1. Joseph Manu 2. Ronaldo Mulitalo 3. Marata Niukore 4. Peta Hiku 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Kieran Foran 15. Moses Leota 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Briton Nikora

Tonga's team list is set to be finalised at some point today.

Strongest NZ side for quite some time and that spine is huge.

I think playing Manu at fullback is the right choice, they have some depth in the centre position but not too much at fullback. Reimis Smith will probably replace Niukore there for the World Cup.

[UTK]

Tonga

1. Tolutau Koula
2. Christian Tu'ipulotu
3. Will Penisini
4. Mosese Suli
5. Sione Katoa
6. Kotoni Staggs
7. Talatau Amone
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Siliva Havili
10. Sio Siua Taukei'aho
11. Sitili Tupouniua 
12. Keaon Koloamatangi
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Soni Luke
15. Haumole Olakau'atu
16. Tevita Tatola
17. Moeaki Fotuiaka

Tevita Pangai drops out of the side which is a blow, Moeaki Fotuaika is a fairly handy replacement nonetheless.

By my count there are 9 players making their test debuts this game - Koula, Tu'ipulotu, Penisini, Katoa, Amone, Koloamatangi, Luke, Olakau'atu and Fotuiaka.

Lots of talent here but there's certainly a lack of experience at NRL level throughout the backline, think NZ are deserving favourites here but if Tonga put it all together they could cause some problems.

 

[Scubby]

Looks like the Kiwis v Tonga game is heading for a sell out at Mount Smart which is awesome. They've even opened the North Bank as overflow now so looking at 25k+

[The Rocket]

Couple of times recently I`ve seen posters remark the forum feels a bit flat lately. I reckon by the looks of those rep sides, especially Tonga and New Zealand, throw in the women`s and men`s Origin and if that doesn`t get the juices flowing then there`s no hope. What a four days we`ve got coming up.

[Damien]

2 hours ago, Scubby said:

Looks like the Kiwis v Tonga game is heading for a sell out at Mount Smart which is awesome. They've even opened the North Bank as overflow now so looking at 25k+

Great news, what an atmosphere that will be.

[Scubby]

4 hours ago, UTK said:

Tonga

1. Tolutau Koula
2. Christian Tu'ipulotu
3. Will Penisini
4. Mosese Suli
5. Sione Katoa
6. Kotoni Staggs
7. Talatau Amone
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Siliva Havili
10. Sio Siua Taukei'aho
11. Sitili Tupouniua 
12. Keaon Koloamatangi
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Soni Luke
15. Haumole Olakau'atu
16. Tevita Tatola
17. Moeaki Fotuiaka

Tevita Pangai drops out of the side which is a blow, Moeaki Fotuaika is a fairly handy replacement nonetheless.

By my count there are 9 players making their test debuts this game - Koula, Tu'ipulotu, Penisini, Katoa, Amone, Koloamatangi, Luke, Olakau'atu and Fotuiaka.

Lots of talent here but there's certainly a lack of experience at NRL level throughout the backline, think NZ are deserving favourites here but if Tonga put it all together they could cause some problems.

 

I think people can forget that the likes of Hopoate, Hurrell, Lolehia are over here and not eligible. Hurrell may be past it but the other two provide experience for that Tongan backline come the WC. With Hopoate at FB and Tui at 6 that means they can switch Staggs to centre and Tupou comes in on the wing That makes them pretty scary come October.

[RP London]

2 hours ago, The Rocket said:

Couple of times recently I`ve seen posters remark the forum feels a bit flat lately. I reckon by the looks of those rep sides, especially Tonga and New Zealand, throw in the women`s and men`s Origin and if that doesn`t get the juices flowing then there`s no hope. What a four days we`ve got coming up.

i'm really looking forward to the world cup. Looking forward to these matches.. Whats frustrating me is the normal... whats happening next year? 

[DavidM]

3 minutes ago, RP London said:

i'm really looking forward to the world cup. Looking forward to these matches..

Snap

[DavidM]

Even if Staggs isnt a natural 6 Tonga’s halves are big upgrade on some they’ve had in recent years . Their pack is full of power and physicality and similarly  the Kiwi pack . The Kiwi halves have the advantage and in the backline I don’t think there’s much in it , Manu being the stand out . How he goes at 1 will be very interesting and could be crucial . Looking at the sides , with a full house back in NZ this is the game of the season so far , it should be ace . Those sides also put into perspective what we’re looking at come the WC and make you ponder where we are 

Edited June 22, 2022 by DavidM

[gingerjon]

18 minutes ago, RP London said:

 whats happening next year? 

A couple of guys had a chat on the radio and said they really need to have a think about doing something.

I'm not making this up. There's a thread on this board about it.

[RP London]

18 minutes ago, gingerjon said:

A couple of guys had a chat on the radio and said they really need to have a think about doing something.

I'm not making this up. There's a thread on this board about it.

yep just seen that... good to see the IRL are really on top of this and planning for building on a successful world cup... whats that saying about failing to plan?

[Man of Kent]

Outstanding Kiwi side. The bookies put the margin at New Zealand minus 10. Tempter. 

[EastLondonMike]

Samoa look like they have a great amount of young talent in that team, particularly the back line. If they can convince those players their futures lie with Samoa and not elsewhere they could become very handy.

NZ have kind of gone in under the radar, but they look very strong. 'Consistency' is probably the greatest attribute many of those players have. Something NZ teams of old have sadly lacked.

[UTK]

13 hours ago, Scubby said:

I think people can forget that the likes of Hopoate, Hurrell, Lolehia are over here and not eligible. Hurrell may be past it but the other two provide experience for that Tongan backline come the WC. With Hopoate at FB and Tui at 6 that means they can switch Staggs to centre and Tupou comes in on the wing That makes them pretty scary come October.

Yeah I'm interested to see which route Woolf takes here, a lot will probably depend on what Amone shows in this match. Fullback is really the spot they don't have a well-established starter so If Amone goes well I could see him putting Lolohea to fullback as the second playmaker and just maintaining Staggs as the running 6 we saw beat Australia.

That would allow Talakai and Tupou to slot in for Penisini and Tuipulotu while keeping Suli who has been in pretty good form this season. It ultimately depends on what type of game plan they want to utilise but the Australia win was built on the back of their power-running and offloading talents across the park, it may not be a traditional way to play but to win the WC I think they need to back the strengths of their side. 

[Scubby]

Looks like it will be a lock out at Mount Smart. Last tickets seemed to disappear overnight. What an atmosphere it will be!

https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/the-return-kiwi-ferns-v-tonga-womens-kiwis-v-tonga-double-header-auckland-25-06-2022/event/24005C975B6035B0

 

[Dunbar]

I think the New Zealand vs. Tonga game in front of a partisan crowd will put State of Origin 2 in the shade... the latter being played out of Perth so taking the game away from those that really care about it.

Origin will be a quality game but the international will be full of passion both on and off the field... if I had to choose just one of these to watch it would be the international every day of the week.

[StandOffHalf]

11 hours ago, UTK said:

Yeah I'm interested to see which route Woolf takes here, a lot will probably depend on what Amone shows in this match. Fullback is really the spot they don't have a well-established starter so If Amone goes well I could see him putting Lolohea to fullback as the second playmaker and just maintaining Staggs as the running 6 we saw beat Australia.

That would allow Talakai and Tupou to slot in for Penisini and Tuipulotu while keeping Suli who has been in pretty good form this season. It ultimately depends on what type of game plan they want to utilise but the Australia win was built on the back of their power-running and offloading talents across the park, it may not be a traditional way to play but to win the WC I think they need to back the strengths of their side. 

Surely Hopoate will be their FB for WC time, if he's fit. Lolohea and Staggs in the halves.

I think they might go with Hurrell in the 17 later in the year. He plays his heart out in red and he's such a talisman for them.