Several Super League stars included in Tonga’s extended World Cup squad
Konrad Hurrell of Tonga at the 2017 World Cup
Tonga head coach Kristian Woolf has named an extended 38-man squad ahead of their World Cup campaign in England including five from Super League.
The squad follows the announcement of both New Zealand’s and Greece’s for the upcoming campaign in autumn.
Nations will submit a 24-man squad ahead of the World Cup.
NRL based players in the Tonga side will travel to London in early October in preparation for the tournament. The side will meet France in a warm up in Halifax on October 8.
St Helens boss Woolf has included club trio Will Hopoate, Agnatius Paasi and Konrad Hurrell in the squad. Super League pair Tui Lolohea and David Fusitu’a have also both been included.
Meanwhile, it’s a star-studded line up with NRL players. North Queensland Cowboys powerhouse Jason Taumalolo has been named and is set to play in his third World Cup with Tonga. Canterbury’s Tevita Pangai Jr, Melbourne’s Felise Kaufusi and Cronulla’s Andrew Fifita have also all been named.
Tonga are favourites to win their group that includes Papua New Guinea, Wales and Cook Islands.
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Tonga name extended squad
Talatau ‘Amone, Andrew Fifita, David Fifita, Addin Fonua Blake, Moeaki Fotuaika, David Fusitu’a, Siliva Havili, William Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell, Eliesa Katoa, Isaiya Katoa, Sione Katoa, Felise Kaufusi, Oregon Kaufusi, Keaon Koloamatangi, Toluta’u Koula, Tuimoala Lolohea, Soni Luke, Ben Murdoch Masila, Tesi Niu, Joe ‘Ofahengaue, Haumole ‘Olakau’atu, Taniela ‘Otukolo, Agnatius Paasi, Tevita Pangai Jr, Taniela Paseka, Will Penisini, Kotoni Staggs, Daniel Suluka Fifita, Moses Suli, Siosifa Talakai, Tevita Tatola, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Jason Taumalolo, Starford To’a, Christian Tu’ipulotu, Daniel Tupou, Stefano Utoikamanu.
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