Taumalolo and Mate Ma'a Tonga tipped to face NZ Māori in October test ^Featured

The geothermal city could host a blockbuster test match next month between Tonga and New Zealand Māori.

If it goes ahead, the game would be staged a week before Tonga's historic clash with the Kangaroos in Auckland on October 20.

Tonga were arguably the most popular team at last year's World Cup, selling out matches in Hamilton (twice) and Auckland, on their memorable run to the last four.

Mate Ma'a Tonga boast some of the best players in the sport, including Cowboys lock Jason Taumalolo, Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita and Warriors winger David Fusitu'a.

Depending on Kiwis' commitments, the Māori side could feature the likes of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Greg Eastwood and Bodene Thompson.

The Herald on Sunday understands that plans are well underway for the match, which would engender a lot of interest.

There are some concerns about the short lead time, but if the financial model stacks up, it's expected the game will go ahead.

The Māori could draw from a large reservoir of talent, with New Zealand depth in the NRL at an all time high.

There's also the possibility that Kiwis players not involved in the test against the Kangaroos in Auckland on October 13 could be used in the Rotorua clash, to get valuable game time ahead of the three test tour of England.

-NZ Herald