Tonga will be hoping to go one better in the Pacific Championships this year after falling to Australia in the final in 2024.
Kristian Woolf has an incredible array of talent to choose from in this year's edition of the tournament, with the likes of Isaiya Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake and Eli Katoa set to try and earn some silverware for the Tongans.
The nation will open their Test series against Samoa in what is sure to be a thrilling clash before also locking horns with New Zealand in Auckland.
MORE: Results, scores, matches, pools for Pacific Championships 2025
Tonga predicted side for the 2025 Pacific Championships
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Tolutau Koula
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Latu Fainu
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Siliva Havili
10. Moeaki Fotuaika
11. Siua Wong
12. Eli Katoa
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Soni Luke
15. Sifa Talakai
16. Keaon Koloamatangi
17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Tonga latest team news:
Lehi Hopoate was handed the No.1 jersey for the Pacific Championships decider against Australia last year, but may lose his fullback spot to emerging star Isaiah Iongi.
Daniel Tupou keeps on trucking and the veteran is likely to get the nod for one wing spot, with Hopoate likely to start on the opposite flank ahead of several contenders.
Christian Tuipulotu will be in the conversation, although has had hamstring issues throughout the campaign for St George Illawarra.
Sione Katoa will also be in the mix despite an injury-interrupted season in the Shire, while Paul Alamoti was a starter last year.
There are six standout candidates in the centres, with Kotoni Staggs, Robert Toia, Tolutau Koula, Will Penisini, Moses Suli and Starford To’a all vying for spots.
It appears to be a pretty straightforward decision for Kristian Woolf in the halves, as Latu Fainu and Isaiya Katoa are set to join forces. Super League veteran Tuimoala Lolohea partnered Katoa last year.
It’s an abundance of riches up front for the Tongans.
Captain Addin Fonua-Blake will be one of the first names on the teamsheet, yet his front row partner remains unclear.
Keaon Koloamatangi has been stellar at prop for South Sydney and is likely to be at the front of the queue, if he recovers from a foot injury in time for the tournament.
Queensland representative Moeaki Fotuaika will also be in the frame, along with Oregon Kaufusi.
Meanwhile, experienced duo Felise Kaufusi and Siosiua Taukeiaho have been a mainstay in the Tongan pack for years and could be set for one more go-around.
Siliva Havili looks set to claim the No.9 jersey, with competition coming from Soni Luke once again.
Eli Katoa will occupy one edge after another starring for Melbourne.
Siua Wong, Leka Halasima, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Samuela Fainu will all be pressing their claims for the other vacant starting spot.
In a major blow, Haumole Olakau’atu is out of the running though due to a shoulder injury.
David Fifita is unlikely to be in the frame after a disappointing season on the Gold Coast that has been punctuated by an ankle issue.
Jason Taumalolo will get the nod at lock, although Tyson Frizell and Fonua Pole could also come under consideration.
Sifa Talakai could land a spot on the bench due to his ability to cover both the backline and the forward pack.
Sitili Tupouniua has endured an injury-ravaged season at Canterbury but will be a strong candidate for a place on the pine.
Tevita Tatola is set to miss the tournament due to a shoulder injury, while Taniela Paseka has missed most of the season due to an Achilles injury.
The likes of Sione Fainu, Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Hame Sele could be part of the squad.
Who featured for Tonga the last time they played a rugby league Test match?
The Tongans last played in an international match at the end of the 2024 Pacific Championships, facing off against Australia in a decider.
The Kangaroos claimed a 20-14 victory as Mal Meninga's men lifted the trophy for the first time.
Here's how Tonga lined up:
1. Lehi Hopoate
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Sione Katoa
6. Tui Lolohea
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Addin Fonua-Blake (c)
9. Siliva Havili
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Haumole Olakau'atu
12. Eli Katoa
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Soni Luke
15. Taniela Paseka
16. Siua Wong
17. Keaon Koloamatangi