Tonga will be hoping to go one better in the Pacific Championships this year after falling to Australia in the final in 2024.
Kristian Woolf has an incredible array of talent to choose from in this year's edition of the tournament, with the likes of Isaiya Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake and Eli Katoa set to try and earn some silverware for the Tongans.
The nation will open their Test series against Samoa in what is sure to be a thrilling clash.
MORE: Fixtures, scores, matches, pools for Pacific Championships 2025
Tonga predicted side for the Pacific Championships 2025 opener
1. Lehi Hopoate
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Tolu Koula
4. Robert Toia
5. Paul Alamoti
6. Isaiah Iongi
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Siliva Havili
10. Stefano Utoikamanu
11. Leka Halasima
12. Eli Katoa
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Soni Luke
15. Felise Kaufusi
16. Moeaki Fotuaika
17. Siua Wong
18. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
19. Sione Katoa
20. Will Penisini
21. Demitric Vaimauga
Tonga latest team news:
Lehi Hopoate was handed the No.1 jersey for the Pacific Championships decider against Australia last year, and will likely keep it this year with emerging star Isaiah Iongi set to start in the halves.
Daniel Tupou keeps on trucking and the veteran could get the nod for one wing spot, with fellow veteran Sione Katoa in a shootout with Paul Alamoti for the other place on the flank.
There is an embarrassment of riches in the centres, with Robert Toia, Tolutau Koula and Will Penisini all included in the squad.
Kotoni Staggs will play for Australia in the Ashes, while there is no room for the likes of Moses Suli and Starford To’a.
It's a pretty straightforward decision for Kristian Woolf in the halves, as Isaiya Katoa will lead the side at halfback.
Super League veteran Tuimoala Lolohea partnered Katoa last year but has not made the cut this time, so Iongi will get the No.6 jersey.
Captain Addin Fonua-Blake will be the first name on the teamsheet, with his front row partner set to be Stefano Utoikamanu, who will debut for Tonga after previously turning out for Samoa.
Support will be provided off the bench by Felise Kaufusi and possibly Moeaki Fotuaika, although Demitric Vaimauga will also be pressing his claims for a spot in the side.
Keaon Koloamatangi is not part of the squad after being selected to play for the Kangaroos by Kevin Walters.
Siliva Havili looks set to claim the No.9 jersey, with competition coming from Soni Luke once again.
Eli Katoa will occupy one edge after another starring for Melbourne.
Leka Halasima, Siua Wong and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will all be competing for the other vacant starting spot in the backrow, with one of the three set to miss out on the 17 entirely.
In a major blow, Haumole Olakau’atu is out due to a shoulder injury, while David Fifita has not been picked after a disappointing injury-riddled season on the Gold Coast.
Jason Taumalolo will get the nod at lock and may find cover in Wong, if the Sydney Roosters young gun can make the bench.
The depth is really on show in the forward pack as seen by the players that have not made the cut. Sifa Talakai, Sitili Tupouniua and Taniela Paseka are absent, although the latter two did endure injury-plagued seasons.
Who featured for Tonga the last time they played a rugby league Test match?
The Tongans last played in an international match at the end of the 2024 Pacific Championships, facing off against Australia in a decider.
The Kangaroos claimed a 20-14 victory as Mal Meninga's men lifted the trophy for the first time.
Here's how Tonga lined up:
1. Lehi Hopoate
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Sione Katoa
6. Tui Lolohea
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Addin Fonua-Blake (c)
9. Siliva Havili
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Haumole Olakau'atu
12. Eli Katoa
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Soni Luke
15. Taniela Paseka
16. Siua Wong
17. Keaon Koloamatangi