MMT and Kiwi Squads announced Featured
16 June 2022. The Kiwis and Mate Ma'a Tonga have announced their rosters for their highly anticipated clash at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland on 25 June. It marks the first game for both teams since 2019.
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Jason Taumalolo Photo: Photosport
There are high fan expectations for both teams with the Kiwis under pressure to win on home soil, while Mate Ma'a Tonga seeks to avenge a 34 - 14 loss to the Kiwis in 2019, the last time the two teams met.
MMT's star-studded team includes the likes of Jason Taumalolo, Andrew Fifita, Daniel Tupou, Joe Ofahengaue, and Kotoni Staggs. Super League-based staff and players are not participating in the game including regular coach Kristian Woolf along with players Konrad Hurrell, William Hopoate, and Tuimoala Lolohea.
Coaching duties have fallen on Dean Young who is the assistant coach for the North Queensland Cowboys. Young is being assisted by former England coach Wayne Bennett.
Cronulla Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand Rugby League has also announced its wider team led by head coach Michael Maguire, with eight newcomers including rising NRL stars such as Cronulla Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo and Parramatta Eels five-eight Dylan Brown. In a move that has shocked many fans, Kiwi's veteran playmaker Shaun Johnson has been left out of the squad.
The double header on 25 June also sees a highly anticipated matchup between the New Zealand and Tonga women's rugby league teams. Both squads are expected to be named this week.
New Zealand wider teamlist:
Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Jesse Bromwich
Kenneath Bromwich
Dylan Brown
Erin Clark
James Fisher-Harris
Kieran Foran
Peta Hiku
Jahrome Hughes
Moses Leota
Isaac Liu
Joseph Manu
Te Maire Martin
Ken Maumalo
Ronaldo Mulitalo
Griffin Neame
Briton Nikora
Marata Niukore
Isaiah Papali'i
Jordan Rapana
Jordan Riki
Brandon Smith
Scott Sorensen
Joseph Tapine
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Tonga wider teamlist:
Tolotau Koula
Daniel Tupou
Siosifa Talakai
Mosese Suli
Sione Katoa
Kotoni Staggs
Talatau Amone
Siosiua Taukieaho
Siliva Havili
Addin Fonua-Blake
Sitili Tupouniua
Keaon Koloamatangi
Jason Taumalolo
Soni Luke
Haumole Olakau'atu
Tevita Pangai jnr
Tevita Tatola
Moeaki Fotuaika
Will Penisini
Isaiya Katoa
Andrew Fifita
Joe Ofahengaue
Starford To'a
Christian Tuipulotu
Eliesa Katoa
- RNZI
