Big Jase to hit Innisfail

‘ World’s best forward’ on show for Tonga at World Cup trial

NORTH Queensland Cowboys fans may be in for the experience of a lifetime when Jason Taumalolo hits Innisfail as part of Tonga’s Rugby League World Cup preparations.

Tonga will play Italy next Friday in a World Cup trial match at Innisfail’s Callendar Park – known locally as Billy Slater Oval – and Taumalolo ( right) will be part of Tonga’s trial squad.

Whether or not Taumalolo plays extended minutes remains to be seen, but either way footy fans will get to see rugby league’s most damaging ball runner close.

Not since his schoolboys days at Kirwan High has Taumalolo ever played at an Australian venue as intimate as Callendar Park.

Tully junior and former Herbert River Crushers captain Colin Wilkie was named in Italy’s final World Cup squad earlier this week and is likely to encounter Taumalolo during next week’s game.

“To test yourself against arguably the best forward in the world is what it’s all about,” Wilkie said.

“It goes without saying it will be a tough ask to tackle him, but it’s a good challenge.

“I honestly think Tonga will be a top four team at this World Cup, and it’s not just Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita that makes them so strong.

“They have NRL players all across the park.

“I last played against one of their boys Manu Vatuvei in a representative game in 2002 and I can’t say I’m looking forward to playing against him again, but it all adds to the challenge.”

The Azzuri will be based in Italy next week as part of the pre- game build up, and Tonga will spend a handful of days in Tully.

Both teams will hold a meet and greet at the Tully Showgrounds next Wednesday.

The teams will then hold open training sessions on Thursday, with Italy’s at Callendar Park from 2.30pm, and Tonga’s at Tully Showgrounds from 3pm.

“It’s big for the region because there’s a lot of Tongan and Samoan people who work in the Cassowary Coast district, and it’s also got a strong Italian heritage,” Wilkie said.

“A lot of Italians came to the area for work in the 1950s and ’ 60s and I’m among the descendants. I was born in Tully, spent a lot of time playing footy in Ingham and now I’m based in Cairns, so I’ve got to say this World Cup scheduling has been almost perfect for me.”

The Azzuri play their World Cup opener against Ireland in Cairns on October 29, and then take on the USA at 1300SMILES Stadium on November 5.

Next Friday’s trial starts at 8pm and features a women’s curtain- raiser between the PNG Orchids and Innisfail Mayor’s Invitational side.