Tongan Squad 2022 - 3 strengths, 1 weakness & our prediction

3 Key Strengths

1. Centre of Attention: Weighing in over 100kg each, Siosifa Talakai & Mosese Suli might be the two most damaging centres in the NRL right now. Both boasting light footwork, explosive fends & surprisingly silky hands, New Zealand will have their hands full containing the two Tongan wrecking balls.

Tonga were able to beat New Zealand in 2017, running with a centre of similar dimensions. None other than the Hurrelcane!

Weakness

The big concern I have for Tonga is that they'll be plagued by the same issue as teams like the Newcastle Knights, Gold Coast Titans & even Canberra Raiders prior to Fogarty's return. Tonga is trotting out an inexperienced spine. While absolutely stacked with talent, it has to be admitted that Koula (fullback) & Amone (half) have only played a handful of games, while Staggs (half) & Havili (hooker) tend to play outside of the spine at club level.

As with the NRL sides mentioned above, it can be incredibly difficult to unlock talented edge players when a team isn't being steered around by an organising halfback or senior player at hooker. For proof of this, just look at the impact Chad Townsend's leadership has had on the North Queensland Cowboys. For Tonga to have any chance in this game, we're going to need to hear Staggs ordering the troops around & see a special performance with the boot from Amone. 

New Zealand Squad

1. Joey Manu (Roosters)
2. Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks)
3. Peta Hiku (Cowboys)
4. Jordan Rapana (Raiders)
5. Ken Maumalo (Wests Tigers)
6. Dylan Brown (Eels)
7. Jahrome Hughes (Storm)
8. Jesse Bromwich (Storm)
9. Brandon Smith (Storm)
10. James Fisher-Harris (Panthers)
11. Isaiah Papali’i (Eels)
12. Briton Nikora (Sharks)
13. Joseph Tapine (Raiders)
14. Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles)
15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm)
16. Marata Niukore (Eels)
17. Moses Leota (Panthers)
18. Kenneath Bromwich (Storm)
19. Erin Clark (Titans)
20. Isaac Liu (Titans)
21. Griffin Neame (Cowboys)
22. Jordan Riki (Broncos)
23. Scott Sorensen (Panthers)
24. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors)
25. Te Maire Martin (Broncos)

How they'll stack up

If you were to combine these two rosters, you'd likely have the perfect rugby league side. Where Tonga lack class in the spine, New Zealand are turning up with in-form superstars from winning sides. It could be argued on form that Dylan Brown is currently the best number 6 in the NRL, only likely usurped by Cameron Munster's incredible State of Origin performance. Brandon Smith has been there & done that, Jahrome Hughes brings a tonne of experience & Joey Manu should be the single most dynamic player on the field.

Where Tonga have a big advantage is on the edges. If Tonga can keep things simple & feed their bulldozing centres early ball, then Hiku & Rapana could find themselves completely outmatched early in the contest. Where New Zealand likely regain some ground is with the defensive prowess of both Jahrome Hughes & Dylan Brown, being two of the better, more athletic defenders at their position in the league.

The Verdict

Tonga should win the forward battle & outclass New Zealand on the edges.

New Zealand have the superior playmakers & enough talent across the board to keep up with Tonga.

Our prediction? The game will be close up until the 55th-60th minute, where New Zealand will take control.

New Zealand to win by 14.