Tonga’s Ultimate Test: Power vs. Pace as Woolf’s Bold Selections Face the Spotlight
The Tongan rugby league team is about to face one of their most formidable tests in recent years, and with it comes the weight of expectation on both seasoned veterans and emerging stars. As they gear up for this highly anticipated clash, all eyes are on the squad selections made by coach Kristian Woolf, which offer a mix of youth, experience, and some notable surprises.
At the forefront is Panthers grand final hero Paul Alamoti, who has been handed his much-deserved Test debut. After a stellar season, Alamoti’s inclusion is seen as a natural progression for the young talent. Manly fullback Lehi Hopoate, also earning his first Test cap, is perhaps the biggest talking point—especially given the omission of speedster Tolutau Koula. Hopoate’s rise has been swift, but the pressure of leading the backline on such a grand stage is immense.
Huddersfield playmaker Tui Lolohea is the only Super League representative in the squad, bringing with him invaluable experience from England. His partnership with Dolphins’ young gun Isaiya Katoa in the halves will be crucial. Katoa, while young, has already shown flashes of brilliance and will need to step up under the intense scrutiny that comes with the responsibility of leading his hugely talented pack of forward around the park.
The forward pack, however, is where Tonga truly shines. Led by veterans Addin Fonua-Blake and Felise Kaufusi in the front row, and backed by Jason Taumalolo, Haumole Olakau’atu, and Eli Katoa in the back row, this is a powerhouse combination. Taumalolo, the heart and soul of the side, will look to stamp his authority, while the inclusion of Olakau’atu and Katoa adds a dynamic, hard-running edge. The bench, featuring Keaon Koloamatangi, Taniela Paseka, Sitili Tupouniua, and Panthers dynamo Soni Luke, also boasts an intimidating level of strength and depth.
But while the forward pack looks near unstoppable, questions remain about the backline, particularly the omission of Tolutau Koula. Known for his blistering speed and ability to break open games, Koula has been a standout for Manly, despite being shifted from his preferred fullback role to the centres. His performance in Manly’s victory over the Bulldogs, where his speed was pivotal, highlighted his game-breaking abilities—something Tonga might sorely miss in tight situations.
Woolf’s decision to stick with Hopoate over Koula, despite the latter’s clear advantages in pace, raises eyebrows. It’s not the first time Woolf has been criticized for this kind of selection. During the World Cup quarter-final against Samoa, a similar decision left Tonga lacking that crucial spark in the dying moments of the game—one they eventually lost in a heartbreaker.
As Tonga prepares for this critical encounter, the spotlight will be on Woolf’s choices. The team’s formidable forward pack will likely dominate, but the real question is whether the backline, particularly Hopoate, can rise to the occasion. If Tonga finds themselves in a tight contest, the absence of Koula’s game-changing speed could prove costly once again. However, this young and powerful squad is brimming with potential, and they’ll need every ounce of it to pass their biggest test yet.
