There’s an assumption that the Kangaroos are favourites in every game they play, and it’s not exactly unreasonable.
They’ve gone undefeated through the past three World Cup campaigns and boast the backing of the best domestic competition in the world.
But whether it’s the long gap between games, the taxing post-season placement of the international window, or the rising quality of their opponents, Australia’s dominance in the Pacific Championships shouldn’t be assumed.
The final last year was an embarrassment for Australia, as the might of New Zealand’s forward pack stampeded the Kiwis to a 30-0 win.
So Mal Meninga can’t be taking victory for granted heading into tonight’s opener against Tonga. Especially considering the class and experience he is missing.
Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Payne Haas and Liam Martin are all unavailable due to injury, while the veteran trio of James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic were left out in a move that almost certainly spells the end of their time in green and gold for good.
Meninga has named nine uncapped players in his 21-man squad, with six included in the 17 for the opening clash with Tonga at Lang Park.
Halves Tom Dearden and Mitchell Moses are both playing their first games for the Kangaroos, as are wingers Xavier Coates and Zac Lomax, plus bench forwards Mitch Barnett and Hudson Young.
Isaah Yeo is the new Australian captain. (Getty Images: Albert Perez)
The 21 Kangaroos come from 14 different clubs, with only North Queensland and Penrith boasting more than two players. Tonga’s connections are across just 11 teams, with Manly, the Roosters and Penrith represented by at least three players.
It’s a small but potentially important thing with such short training camps, and coach Kristian Woolf has proven himself capable of getting the best out of Tonga, taking the helm for the momentous 16-12 victory over Australia five years ago. And this time he may have an even stronger side.
Tonga’s talent runs top to tail
The outlandish thing about Tonga in 2024 isn’t just the top-end talent, it’s the depth in the 21-man squad.
The starting side is littered with State of Origin representatives, premiership players and in-form NRL starters, plus almost every position has elite cover in reserve.
The middle forward options include captain and Dally M prop of the year Addin Fonua-Blake, Cowboys star Jason Taumalolo, Souths and NSW forward Keaon Koloamatangi, giant Manly prop Taniela Paseka, and Dolphins and Maroons enforcer Felise Kaufusi.
Among the second-row rotation are back rower of the year Eli Katoa, NSW Origin rep Haumole Olakau’atu, incoming Canterbury Mr Fix It Sitili Tupouniua, rising Roosters star Siua Wong and North Queensland’s Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, with Koloamatangi and Kaufusi able to slot in there too.
Meanwhile, the hooking rotation of Siliva Havili and Soni Luke is a trademark balance of power and craft through the middle, allowing coach Kristian Woolf to adapt to any game style.
The back five will be Manly rookie sensation Lehi Hopoate at fullback, former NSW Blue Daniel Tupou and powerful Cronulla winger Sione Katoa on the flanks, with premiership Panther Paul Alamoti and hard-running Dragon Mosese Suli in the centres. Backing them up will be Sea Eagles speedster Tolu Koula and highly touted Parramatta-bound 21-year-old fullback Isaiah Iongi.
Tonga stunned Australia in 2019. (AAP)
But power in the forwards and athleticism in the backs has never been Tonga’s problem. The biggest change this time around is in the seven jersey.
When Tonga stunned the Kangaroos back in 2019, Brisbane centre Kotoni Staggs stepped into halfback and performed admirably, but he skated on pure skill, athletic ability and the confidence that comes with being a 21-year-old star.
Now though, they have someone to truly steer them around the park.
Katoa making a go of it
Isaiya Katoa has been tipped as a 300-game player by Andrew Johns. (Getty Images: Albert Perez)
Isaiya Katoa took the reins as primary playmaker at the Dolphins in just his second full season of first grade rugby league and won seven of his first nine games in Redcliffe.
Still only 20 years old, Katoa was on the brink of NSW Origin selection before new Kangaroos halfback Mitchell Moses returned to nail down the Blues number seven.
His booming right boot saw him kick for the second most metres in 2024, and his accuracy was on point too, with three 40/20s good for equal-second in the league.
That kicking game, behind a dominant forward pack and powerful outside backs to start sets on the right foot, could spell trouble for Australia.
Katoa also has a big body and the athleticism to make his running game a weapon, finishing second in line engagements in the 2024 season, according to NRL.com.
He shone as a teenager as Tonga went 3-0 in the group stage of the World Cup in 2022 before falling short in the quarterfinals against Samoa, and Immortal Andrew Johns has already tipped him as a 300-game NRL player and a future Origin player.
His form dipped late in the season as the Dolphins faded from finals but, eight weeks after his last full game of rugby league, the young halfback should be fit and raring to make an impact on the big stage.
- Lehi Hopoate
- Daniel Tupou
- Mosese Suli
- Paul Alamoti
- Sione Katoa
- Tuimoala Lolohea
- Isaiya Katoa
- Addin Fonua-Blake
- Siliva Havili
- Felise Kaufusi
- Haumole Olakau’atu
- Eli Katoa
- Jason Taumalolo
- Soni Luke
- Taniela Paseka
- Sitili Tupouniua
- Keaon Koloamatangi
- Tolu Koula
- Siua Wong
- Isaiah Iongi
- Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
