RLWC2021 – Tonga v Wales: Team news, how to watch on TV & predictions
Everything you need to know – Tonga v Wales.
Kristian Woolf will take charge at St Helens for a final time as his Tonga team face Wales in Group D.
A win would all but secure Tonga’s quarter-final berth, where they are likely to face Samoa at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.
John Kear’s Wales will be looking to build on their 18-12 defeat to Cook Islands in their opening game.
The game will be noteworthy as the first ever men’s international to be officiated by a female referee, Kasey Badger.
Match details
- Tonga v Wales
- Date: Monday 24th October
- Kick-off time: 7.30pm
- Venue: Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens
- Group A
Tonga v Wales team news
Tonga 19-man squad: 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Siosifa Talaki, 4. Will Penisini, 5. Sione Katos, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Tui Lolohea, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Felipe Kaufusi, 12. Keaon Koloamatangi, 14. Soni Luke, 15. Haumole Olakaku’atu, 16. Tevita Tatola, 17. Moeaki Fotuaika, 18. David Fifita, 20. Tolutau Koula, 21. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 22. Tesi Niu, 23. Konrad Hurrell.
Wales 19-man squad: 1. Caleb Aekins, 2. Rhys Williams, 5. Dalton Grant, 6. Elliot Kear, 7. Josh Ralph, 8. Anthony Walker, 9. Matty Fozard, 10. Dan Fleming, 12. Chester Butler, 14. Ollie Olds, 15. Curtis Davis, 16. Joe Burke, 17. Bailey Antrobus, 18. Curtis Davies, 21. Tom Hopkins, 22. Kyle Evans, 23. James Olds, 24. Gavin Bennion, 25. Luke Thomas.
What the two camps are saying
Wales captain Elliot Kear said: “Our group has been called ‘The Group of Death’ because we also have Papua New Guinea and Tonga. They all have a reputation for being aggressive – it’s a tough group but we have put in a lot of hard work and we all feel positive.”
Before the tournament, Tonga coach Kristian Woolf said: “It is a great opportunity for the people of St Helens to come and see and meet players like Jason Taumalolo, Addin Fonua-Blake, Siosiua Taukeiaho, David Fifita, Daniel Tupou – the list goes on.
“As you see with the Tongan guys we have at this club, they are great people and they play a great brand of rugby league and want to entertain.
“There’s a great correlation between a working class town like St Helens and a working class country like Tonga.
“There’s a great connection there and I would encourage people to come down and support Tonga.”
How can I watch the game on TV?
Every game across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cup tournaments is being broadcast by the BBC.
Tonga v Wales will be live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, Red Button and BBC Sport Online.
READ: How to watch every Rugby League World Cup game on the BBC
Odds and predictions
Tonga are heavy favourites, so much so that Planet Sport Bet aren’t offering a price on their victory. Wales are 33/1 to cause a huge upset.
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