WELLINGTON: Tonga yesterday named a 24-man squad, weakened by injuries and the defection of key players to more powerful rivals, for the Rugby League World Cup.
Coach Charles Tonga said he was still able to field a formidable young team, many who play in Australia and New Zealand, captained by Manly’s Penrith-bound prop Brent Kite.
“Despite losing many talented players to injury and other countries, we are fortunate to have many young guys willing to represent the nation,” Tonga said yesterday.
“We are doing this for our people, to give back to our country.”
Canterbury’s Tony Williams, Anthony Tupou of Cronulla, Manly prop Richie Fa’aoso and Parramatta centre Willie Tonga are all unavailable through injury.
Roosters front-rower Sam Moa has opted to play for New Zealand and his NRL team-mate Michael Jennings, a star for Tonga at the 2008 tournament, will represent Australia.
However, the Pacific islanders remain favourites to top Italy and Scotland in Group C and earn a quarter-final spot likely to be against defending champions New Zealand.
Tonga finished seventh in the 2008 World Cup.
This year’s tournament, in England and Wales, begins on October 26 with the final on November 30 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Squad:
Sosaia Feki (Cronulla Sharks), Nesiasi Mataitonga (Cronulla Sharks), Pat Politoni (Cronulla Sharks), Brent Kite (capt - Manly Sea Eagles), Jorge Taufua (Manly Sea Eagles), Mahe Fonua (Melbourne Storm), Siosaia Vave (Melbourne Storm), Siuatonga Likiliki (Newcastle Knights), Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys), Fuifui Moimoi (Parramatta Eels), Peni Terepo (Parramatta Eels), Sika Manu (Penrith Panthers) Daniel Foster (Penrith Panthers), Samisoni Langi (Sydney Roosters), Nafe Seluini (Sydney Roosters), Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters), Glen Fisi’iahi (Auckland Warriors), Siliva Havili (Auckland Warriors), Konrad Hurrell (Auckland Warriors), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Wests Tigers), Ukuma Ta’ai (Huddersfield Giants); Mickey Paea (Hull Kingston Rovers), Willie Manu (St Helens), Sydney Havea (Liahona Old Boys).
REUTERS
