Kangaroos to play Mate Ma'a Tonga in Auckland in November Featured
25 February, 2019. Following on from the success of last year's historic Test, Australia are again set to face Tonga in a rugby league international.
According to the Daily Telegraph's Buzz Rothfield, the Kangaroos will meet Tonga in Auckland in November, the same location as their last and only meeting.
The Test is reportedly due to be part of a massive triple-header that will also feature a match between the Kiwis and England, and a Pacific clash between Fiji and Samoa.
The recent rise of Tonga has breathed new life into international rugby league, with NRL stars such as Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita committing to the nation.
Their run at the 2017 World Cup captured the imagination of the rugby league community, with Tonga falling just short of a meeting with Australia in the final.
A historic meeting between the two nations finally took place at Mt Smart Stadium last October, with the Kangaroos emerging 34-16 victors.
Tongan internationals not only see a rising powerhouse on the field, they also draw a hugely passionate and infectious fanbase.
Mt Smart Stadium was a see of red for that meeting with Australia, while the recent Pacific Tests against Samoa and Fiji have seen an outpouring of support from members of the local community.
A capacity crowd crammed into Campbelltown Stadium to see Mate Ma'a Tonga defeat Samoa 38-22 in June last year.
- Sporting News
