The Kangaroos open their Pacific Cup campaign against Tonga and it will be no walk in the park with Kristian Woolf selecting an outstanding side that will certainly compete with Mal’s men.
Best Bet
Mal Meninga is looking to usher in a new generation of Kangaroos with an eye to the 2026 World Cup but it has opened up an opportunity for Tonga to kickstart the World Cup.
Tom Dearden and Mitch Moses are the new-look halves pairing and while there is no doubt plenty of class in the Australian backline with the likes of Tom Trbojevic, it is fair to say Dylan Edwards, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Zac Lomax were not playing their best football in August and September.
The pack is solid with Isaah Yeo and Harry Grant leading it but form is again a question hanging over the likes of Angus Crichton, Cam Murray and Patrick Carrigan.
The bench is a strong point with Matt Burton an excellent selection and Mitch Barnett deserving of a debut.
It is fair to say that Tonga’s pack at a minimum matches Australia’s. Addin Fonua-Blake was the best prop in the NRL, Eli Katoa and Haumole Olakau’atu are two of the form edge backrowers and Jason Taumalolo and Felise Kaufusi are two highly effective veteran middles. Only Siliva Havili is well overmatched by Harry Grant.
The backline is also very strong. Tolu Kolau missed out with Lehi Hopoate at fullback, Paul Alamoti off a hot Grand Final starts in the centre while Daniel Tupou and Sione Katoa are two quality wingers. The Katoa/Lolohea halves combination is unfashionable but will do more than a job.
This will be the third meeting between the two nations. Tonga won in 2019 and lost by just 18 a year prior. Cam Murray is Australia’s only carryover from that defeat for Australia while Tonga have five with very fond memories.
The Kangaroos will have plenty to prove after their 30-0 loss last year but outside of World Cups they have not done a great job at putting inferior opposition to the sword.
Tonga toured England last year and lost by fur and 10 in the first two Tests. They have not lost a Test by more than 22 since 2016, before the big names had decided to play for their nation of heritage.
The plus is an outstanding bet.
Same Game Multi
Tom Trbojevic has 57 tries in 56 games at NRL level the last four seasons and has three tries in four Tests for Australia though has not played in six years.
Paul Alamoti had an outstanding year for Penrith that included a Grand Final try and he can absolutely show up on his international debut.
Value Bet
Haumole Olakau’atu is an outstanding edge runner who can find his way to the tryline. He has 35 tries in 87 games across the last four years and will feature heavily in Kristian Woolf’s game plan.
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