Tonga train on squad

[hutch]

http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/tonga-squad-announced/

THE TONGA squad to face off against the Cook Islands in a World Cup qualifier next month has been named.


The 58-man squad features players from the NRL, the Super League and the Intrust Super Cup.

Tonga will clash with the Cook Islands at Campbelltown Stadium on October 17.

The squad is:

Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos), Mahe Fonua, Felise Kaufusi (Storm), Siku Taukeiaho, Vaha Pulu, Willie Manu (Roosters), Sika Manu, Leilani Latu, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Daniel Foster, Sione Katoa, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Panthers) Tyson Frizell (Dragons), Sitaleki Akauola, Asipeli Fine, Joel Luani, Salesi Funaki, Delouise Hoeter (Tigers) Kelepi Tanginoa (Cowboys).


Agnatius Paasi, Levi Li (Titans) Manu Ma’u, Peni Terepo, Vai Toutai, John Folau (Eels) Brenko Lee, Tevita Pangai (Raiders), Anthony Tupou, Sosaia Feki, David Fifita, Soulala Houma, Malakai Houma, Pat Politoni (Sharks) Jorge Taufua, Feleti Mateo, Siosaia Vave, Tony Satini (Sea Eagles) Antonio Kaufusi, Daniel Fualalo (Bulldogs) Tuimoala Lolohea, Solomone Kata, Konrad Hurrell, Albert Vete, Sione Lousi, John Palavi, Sebastine Ikahahifo, Glen Fisi’ahi, Siliva Havili, David Fusi’tua (Warriors).

Ukuma Ta’ai (Giants), Fuifui Moimoi (Centurions), Atelea Vea (St Helens), Michael Oldfield (Catalans), Mickey Paea (Hull FC). Mosese Pangai, Lorenzo Ma’afu (Blackhawks), Nafe Seluini (Burleigh), Charlie Faingaa (Redcliffe).

Have they just named every player with Tongan heritage in the NRL and super league including internationals for many other countries?

 

[roughyedspud]

Do any of the teams...tonga,samoa,nz etc even ask the players??? Or do they just name them? Cos a few players have been named in a couple of squads...its ridiculous

 

[expansionist]

Anyone heard anything about this in the follow up? Or are we just expecting half these players to withdraw with injury quietly?

 

[Son of Minto]

These f**king pacific nation teams just name anybody that qualifies for them. Frizell has already confirmed he's still committed to Wales.

 

[lafai]

Country, Wales & Tongan international Tyson Frizell

 

[morningstar]

Wales RL shut down the Frizell selection....

http://www.walesrugbyleague.co.uk/article/13704/tyson-frizell-to-remain-with

Wales Rugby League have acted swiftly to follow up on Tonga’s announcement that they have included Welsh International Tyson Frizell to their train on squad for their forthcoming World Cup Asia-Pacific Qualifier against the Cook Islands.

Bob Wilson, team manager of Wales Rugby League said: “We met with Tyson earlier this year when he was in the UK for the World Club Series, and he gave a clear commitment to Wales.

“On seeing the announcement by Tonga we have been in contact with Tyson to check if this was correct. We are delighted to say that the player remains a Welsh International. He is a huge talent and his assurances that he is committed to Wales’s push towards the 2017 Rugby League World Cup is a great boost to us all.”

We are aware and have been for some time he is unavailable for us in this year’s European Championship.

 

[roughyedspud]

So what are tonga playing at???

 

[welshmagpie]

So what are tonga playing at???

I've a feeling he wasn't even asked, and they included him based purely on the fact he's eligible.

As a Welsh fan it's rather annoying that a nation would unsettle another nation like this. It's bang out of order in fact!

 

[deluded pom?]

Unfortunately the rules allow nation hopping and this is the kind of crap we see too often.

 

[playdaball]

Its just a wider training squad - Nz included Valentine Holmes last year despite having committed to Qld.

 

[roughyedspud]

Committing to QLD means sod all...

 

[Son of Minto]

He committed to Australia

 

[hutch]

This is rugby league, why are we surprised?

 

[roughyedspud]

we're not...we're just disappointed lol

 

[nqcowboy87]

how does michael oldfield qualify

 

[PARRA_FAN]

His mother's Tongan.