North Queensland Toyota Cowboys middle forward Jason Taumalolo will co-captain Tonga later this month after today being named in their 21-man Pacific Championship squad.
Despite being reduced to 10 games this season, Taumalolo averaged 154 metres, his highest since 2022 when he was awarded the Paul Bowman Medal.
Tonga will kick off their Pacific Championships with a mouthwatering clash against Samoa on October 26 at Suncorp Stadium, before taking on the Kiwis at Eden Park a week later.
Tonga squad (alphabetical)
Paul Alamoti (Panthers)
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins)
Addin Fonua-Blake (c) (Sharks)
Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans)
Leka Halasima* (Warriors)
Siliva Havili (Rabbitohs)
Lehi Hopoate (Sea Eagles)
Eliesa Katoa (Storm)
Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins)
Sione Katoa (Sharks)
Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins)
Tolu Koula (Sea Eagles)
Isaiah Iongi (Eels)
Soni Luke (Panthers)
Will Penisini (Eels)
Jason Taumalolo (c) (Cowboys)
Robert Toia* (Roosters)
Daniel Tupou (Roosters)
Stefano Utoikamanu* (Storm)
Demitric Vaimauga* (Warriors)
Siua Wong (Roosters)
* Denotes debutant
