Mate Ma’a Tonga and the Tonga Women’s side are locked in for the 2025 Pacific Championships, with both squads boasting power, talent, and passion ahead of blockbuster clashes later this month.
🔥 Mate Ma’a Tonga: Leadership, Youth, and Power
Head Coach Kristian Woolf has announced a stacked 21-man Mate Ma’a Tonga squad that blends world-class experience with rising young stars — led by co-captains Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo.
The squad features a dominant forward pack including Moeaki Fotuaika, Felise Kaufusi, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Stefano Utoikamanu, and Siua Wong, promising fireworks up the middle of the park.
In the backs, Will Penisini, Tolu Koula, and Daniel Tupou headline a potent backline, while Isaiya Katoa and Soni Luke provide spark and structure in the halves.
Exciting inclusions Paul Alamoti, Robert Toia, Demitric Vaimauga, Lehi Hopoate, and Isaiah Iongi underline Tonga’s depth and future potential — giving Woolf plenty of selection options across the park.
Fixtures:
- 🆚 Toa Samoa – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 3:00pm (local), Sunday 26 October
- 🆚 New Zealand Kiwis – Eden Park, Auckland | 6:05pm (local), Sunday 2 November
👉 Full 2025 Tonga Men’s Squad:
Paul Alamoti (Penrith Panthers), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (The Dolphins), Addin Fonua-Blake (c) (Cronulla Sharks), Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans), Leka Halasima (NZ Warriors), Siliva Havili (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Lehi Hopoate (Manly Sea Eagles), Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne Storm), Isaiya Katoa (The Dolphins), Sione Katoa (Cronulla Sharks), Felise Kaufusi (The Dolphins), Tolu Koula (Manly Sea Eagles), Isaiah Iongi (Parramatta Eels), Soni Luke (Penrith Panthers), Will Penisini (Parramatta Eels), Jason Taumalolo (c) (North Queensland Cowboys), Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters), Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters), Stefano Utoikamanu (Melbourne Storm), Demitric Vaimauga (NZ Warriors), Siua Wong (Sydney Roosters).
🌺 Tonga Women: United and Ready for Battle
The Tonga Women’s Rugby League side has also confirmed a formidable squad for the Pacific Championships, featuring a mix of familiar names and emerging stars set to wear the red jersey with pride.
Led by a passionate and experienced group, the Fifita sisters — Ruby and Moana — headline the team, joined by Tatiana and Fane Finau, Natasha Penitani, and Martha Mataele in a talented, balanced lineup.
Coach Meg Ward has selected a side built around mobility, aggression, and spirit — determined to continue Tonga’s rise in the international women’s game after strong performances in 2024.
Fixtures:
- 🆚 Cook Islands – National Football Stadium, Port Moresby | 2:00pm AEDT, Friday 25 October
- 🆚 PNG Orchids – National Football Stadium, Port Moresby | 2:00pm AEDT, Friday 1 November
👉 2025 Tonga Women’s Squad:
Moana Courtenay, Ruby Fifita, Pani Hopoate, Fane Finau, Tatiana Finau, Jade Fonua, Simina Lokotui, Ana Lynch-Malupo, Amelia Mafi, Seli Mailangi, Martha Mataele, Shannon Muru, Aliyah Nasio, Emmanita Paki, Natasha Penitani, Pauline Suli Ruka, Manilita Takapautolo, Lavinia Tauhalaliku, Kaylani Tavita, Malia Tuifua.
