Ma¯ori to steam against Tongans
Rotorua should get set for a Tongan invasion and some of the biggest names in the NRL.
The geothermal city could host a blockbuster test match next month between Tonga and New Zealand Ma¯ ori.
If it goes ahead, the game would be a week before Tonga’s historic clash with the Kangaroos in Auckland on Saturday, October 20.
Tonga were arguably the most popular team at last year’s World Cup, selling out matches in Hamilton (twice) and Auckland, on their memorable run to the last four.
Tonga boast some of the best players in the sport, including Cowboys lock Jason Taumalolo, Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita and Warriors wing David Fusitu’a.
Depending on Kiwis’ commitments, the Ma¯ori could feature Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Greg Eastwood and Bodene Thompson.
The Herald on Sunday understands plans are well under way.
There are some concerns about the short lead-in time but if the financial model stacks up, it’s expected the game will go ahead.
The Ma¯ ori could draw from a large reservoir of talent, with New Zealand depth in the NRL at an all time high.
There’s also the possibility that Kiwis players not involved in the test against the Kangaroos in Auckland on October 13 could be used in the Rotorua clash, to get valuable game time ahead of the three-test tour of England later in the year.
The proposed match would be just as significant for New Zealand Ma¯ori.
The last time the Ma¯ori faced an international side was England in 2010.
“For me, as a spokesman for Ma¯ori rugby league, it’s been way too long,” coach Mark Horo told the Herald earlier this year. “We need to be playing more often, especially with the talent out there.”
Horo’s message was heeded by the NRL, with the rejigged All Stars game next February.
That sees a New Zealand Ma¯ori selection face an Australian Indigenous team, which will revive interest in the composite team.
If the fixture is successful, there may be room for a New Zealand Ma¯ori side to be included in the midyear representative window.