Warriors to fore in Tongan squad

Four Warriors players have been included in Tonga’s preliminary squad for next month’s test against Australia in Auckland.

Forwards Agnatius Paasi and Leivaha Pulu have been named in the 29-man group alongside club team-mates David Fusitu’a and Solomone Kata, who were part of Tonga’s exciting run to the World Cup semifinals last year.

The Kristian Woolf-coached team is again headlined by former Kiwis powerhouse Jason Taumalolo who – along with Fusitu’a, Manu Ma’u and Sio Siua Taukeiaho – made a last-minute change of allegiance to represent Tonga at the World Cup.

Cronulla enforcer Andrew Fifita, who made a similar switch from the Kangaroos, also returns and has been joined by Sharks team-mate Scott Sorensen, the nephew of Kiwi greats Dane and Kurt Sorensen but also has Tongan heritage.

Paasi’s callup is just reward for an impressive season at the Warriors, where he established himself as one of their leading props.

Woolf has assembled a strong squad and the Mate Ma’a will need to be at their best if they are to upset the world champion Kangaroos in what is the first test between the two nations.

The clash takes place at Mt Smart Stadium on October 20, a week after the Kiwis host the Kangaroos at the same venue.

The final Tonga squad will be announced next month.

At a glance

Tonga train-on squad Andrew Fifita, Addin Fonua-blake, Mahe Fonua, Moeaki Fotuaika, David Fusitu’a, Siliva Havilli, Ata Hingano, Will Hopoate, Konileti Hurrell, Michael Jennings, Robert Jennings, Solomone Kata, Sione Katoa, Samisoni Langi, Tuimoala Lolohea, Sika Manu, Sam Moa, Ben Murdoch-masila, Joe Ofahengaue, Tevita Pangai Junior, Agnatius Paasi, Leivaha Pulu, Scott Sorensen, Ukuma Ta’ai, Jason Taumalolo, Tevita Tatola, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Peni Terepo, Daniel Tupou.