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Tonga's Team Predictions and Squad Updates for Pacific Championships Opener

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Tonga's Strong Lineup for the Pacific Championships 2025

Tonga is determined to make a strong showing in this year’s Pacific Championships after falling to Australia in the final in 2024. With a wealth of talent at his disposal, coach Kristian Woolf has assembled a formidable squad that includes some of the most promising players in the region. The team will be looking to build on their previous performance and secure some silverware this time around.

The opening match of the tournament will see Tonga face Samoa, a clash that promises to be one of the most exciting of the competition. The rivalry between these two nations is always intense, and fans are eagerly anticipating what could be a thrilling encounter.

Key Players to Watch

Among the standout names in the squad are Isaiya Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake, and Eli Katoa, all of whom will play crucial roles in the team’s bid for success. The squad also includes experienced players such as Lehi Hopoate, Daniel Tupou, and Tolu Koula, who bring valuable leadership and skill to the team.

Here is the full list of players selected for the Pacific Championships 2025:

  1. Lehi Hopoate
  2. Daniel Tupou
  3. Tolu Koula
  4. Robert Toia
  5. Paul Alamoti
  6. Isaiah Iongi
  7. Isaiya Katoa
  8. Addin Fonua-Blake
  9. Siliva Havili
  10. Stefano Utoikamanu
  11. Leka Halasima
  12. Eli Katoa
  13. Jason Taumalolo
  14. Soni Luke
  15. Felise Kaufusi
  16. Moeaki Fotuaika
  17. Siua Wong
  18. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
  19. Sione Katoa
  20. Will Penisini
  21. Demitric Vaimauga

Team News and Selection Decisions

Lehi Hopoate was handed the No.1 jersey in last year’s final against Australia and is expected to retain it this year. Emerging star Isaiah Iongi will start in the halves, providing a dynamic partnership with Katoa. Daniel Tupou remains a key player and is likely to take one wing spot, while Sione Katoa and Paul Alamoti compete for the other flank position.

In the centres, there is an abundance of talent, with Robert Toia, Tolutau Koula, and Will Penisini all included in the squad. Kotoni Staggs will be playing for Australia in the Ashes, and players like Moses Suli and Starford To’a have been left out due to selection constraints.

Kristian Woolf has made a clear decision in the halves, with Isaiya Katoa leading the side at halfback. Tuimoala Lolohea, who partnered Katoa last year, has not made the cut, so Iongi will take the No.6 jersey. Captain Addin Fonua-Blake is set to lead the team, with Stefano Utoikamanu as his front-row partner. Utoikamanu is making his debut for Tonga after previously representing Samoa.

Felise Kaufusi and Moeaki Fotuaika will provide support off the bench, while Demitric Vaimauga is also pushing for a spot. Keaon Koloamatangi is not part of the squad after being selected to play for the Kangaroos by Kevin Walters.

Siliva Havili looks set to claim the No.9 jersey, with Soni Luke providing competition. Eli Katoa will occupy one edge, following his recent performances for Melbourne. Leka Halasima, Siua Wong, and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki are all vying for the other backrow position, with one of them likely to miss out on the starting 17.

Injuries and Absences

A major setback for Tonga is the absence of Haumole Olakau’atu, who is out due to a shoulder injury. David Fifita has also been left out after a difficult season on the Gold Coast. Jason Taumalolo will take the lock position, with Siua Wong potentially offering cover if he makes the bench.

The forward pack is deep, with several players not making the final cut. Sifa Talakai, Sitili Tupouniua, and Taniela Paseka are absent, although the latter two have had injury-plagued seasons.

Previous Matchup Against Australia

Tonga last played an international match during the 2024 Pacific Championships, facing Australia in the final. The Kangaroos won 20-14, marking their first victory in the tournament. Here is how Tonga lined up in that match:

  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

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