Manly Warringah Sea Eagles players Jorge Taufua, Siosaia Vave and Tony Satini have today been selected in the Tonga National Rugby League preliminary train-on squad.
Tonga will play a World Cup qualifier against Cook Islands on Saturday, October 17, at 7.30pm at Campbelltown Stadium.
"Not only is there a lot riding on the game in terms of a spot in the 2017 World Cup, it is also a chance for us to get together as a team and keep building on the momentum created after the May Test against Samoa,'' said Tonga Coach Kristian Woolf.
“I know that our men can’t wait to get together again in camp and to pull on the Tongan jersey and represent Tonga to the best of their ability."
Additional players will be added to the train-on squad following finals matches this weekend and next weekend and confirmation of eligibility.
The squad is as follows: Antonio Kaufusi, Danny Fualalo (Bulldogs), Leva Li (Titans), Jorge Taufua, Siosaia Vave, Tony Satini (Sea Eagles), Peni Terepo, Vai Toutai, John Folau (Eels), Leilani Latu, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Sika Manu, Daniel Foster, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Panthers), Anthony Tupou, David Fifita, Saulala Houma, Malakai Houma, Pat Politoni (Sharks), Michael Oldfield (Rabbitohs), Vaha Pulu, Willie Manu (Roosters), Albert Vete, Sione Lousi, John Palavi, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Siliva Havili, David Fusitu'a (Warriors), Sitaleki Akauola, Asipeli Fine, Joel Luani, Salesi Funaki, Delouise Hoeter (Wests Tigers), Ukuma Ta’ai (Huddersfield), Fui Fui Moi Moi (Leigh), Atelea Vea (St Helens), Mickey Paea (Hull FC), Nafe Seluini (Burleigh) and Charlie Faingaa (Redcliffe).
The Rugby League World Cup 2017 will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand and will see the world’s best players from 14 nations battle to be crowned world champions.