North Queensland Toyota Cowboys John Asiata, Antonio Winterstein and Patrick Kaufusi will line up for representative duties in next Saturday’s historic International Rugby League triple-header at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
The PNG Kumuls open proceedings in the first Test on Thursday 6 May when they take on the Cook Islands, before traditional rivals Fiji and Tonga face off in the penultimate match of the evening.
Toa Samoa complete the triple-header when on they take on the number three-ranked side, England.
Mate Ma’a Tonga and Townsville Blackhawks coach Kristian Woolf said he was looking forward to the week ahead with the calibre of players named in his squad.
“This is the first time since I’ve been involved that every player is coming straight from an elite NRL system, which is really exciting,” Woolf said.
“It’s the most talented group we’ve ever assembled, so if we work hard as a team next Saturday against Fiji, I’ve got no doubt we’ll fulfil our potential this year.”
Toa Samoa and Mate Ma’a Tonga have announced their squads, while squads for Fiji Bati, Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands will be named on Sunday following the conclusion of Round Nine of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
Tickets: nrl.com/tickets – general public family packages $65, adult tickets from $25
TOA SAMOA SQUAD
NB: Players are listed in alphabetical order with an additional player to be included following the completion of Round 9 NRL Telstra Premiership matches.
Leeson Ah Mau – St George Illawarra Dragons
John Asiata – North Queensland Cowboys
Fa'amanu Brown – Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Herman Ese’ese – Brisbane Broncos
Sam Kasiano – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Tim Lafai – St George Illawarra Dragons
Joseph Leilua – Canberra Raiders
Isaac Liu – Sydney Roosters
Josh McGuire– Brisbane Broncos
Peter Mata’utia – Newcastle Knights
Sione Mata’utia - Newcastle Knights
Suaia Matagi – Parramatta Eels
Anthony Milford – Brisbane Broncos
David Nofoaluma – Wests Tigers
Kaysa Pritchard – Parramatta Eels
Sauaso Sue – Wests Tigers
Antonio Winterstein – North Queensland Cowboys
MATE MA' TONGA SQUAD
1. Will Hopoate – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
2. Daniel Tupou – Sydney Roosters
3. Brenko Lee – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
4. Michael Jennings – Parramatta Eels
5. Jorge Taufua – Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
6. Tuimoala Lolohea – New Zealand Warriors
7. Ata Hingano – New Zealand Warriors
8. Andrew Fifita – Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
9. Siliva Havili – St George Illawarra Dragons
10. Leilani Latu – Penrith Panthers
11. Sika Manu (c) – Hull FC
12. Felise Kaufusi – Melbourne Storm
13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho – Sydney Roosters
14. Sione Katoa – Penrith Panthers
15. Joe Ofahengaue – Brisbane Broncos
16. Siosaia Vave – Parramatta Eels
17. Addin Fonua-Blake – Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
18. Samisoni Langi – Penrith Panthers
19. Patrick Kaufusi – North Queensland Cowboys
20. Leivaha Pulu – Gold Coast Titans
21. Sione Vea – Tongan Rugby League
