The Stats Zone
October 31 2024, 18:35 · Rob Esteva
Updated: October 31 2024, 20:35

New Zealand vs Tonga Preview & Prediction | 2024 Rugby League Pacific Cup

New Zealand vs Tonga Preview & Prediction | 2024 Rugby League Pacific Cup

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This crunch match in the Pacific Cup sees New Zealand take on Tonga for a place in the final against Australia at stake

START DATE/TIME: Saturday 2nd November, 2024, UK – 7:05am / US ET – 3:05am / US PT – 00:05am

HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK - This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix / AUS - This match will be broadcast live on Watch NRL

HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK - This match will be streamed on SkyGo / AUS - This match will be streamed on Watch NRL

NEW ZEALAND: LEO THOMPSON BACK FROM SUSPENSION IN SOLITARY CHANGE FOR KIWIS

New Zealand have kept changes to a minimum for this crunch clash with Tonga that will see the losing side drop to the promotion/relegation series and the winner meet Australia in the Pacific Cup final. Leo Thompson is back from suspension to hand them a big boost to their bench and it is forward Jordan Riki who drops out for him.

SQUAD:

1. Keano Kini

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Matt Timoko

4. Peta Hiku

5. Will Warbrick

6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

7. Shaun Johnson

8. James Fisher-Harris

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Joe Tapine

11. Isaiah Papali'i

12. Scott Sorensen

13. Naufahu Whyte

Interchange

14. Kodi Nikorima

15. Griffin Neame

16. Marata Niukore

17. Leo Thompson

Reserves

18. Erin Clark

19. Jordan Riki

20. Casey McLean

21. Trent Toelau

TONGA: ONE CHANGE FOR THE VISITORS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR THE UPSET

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf is forced to make one change as Keaon Koloamatangi misses this crunch match due to the birth of his child so that hands an opportunity to Siua Wong to come into the interchange list. Otherwise, they are unchanged from the side that lost to Australia but they will have benefitted from having last weekend free to recover and prepare for this match.

SQUAD:

1. Lehi Hopoate

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Moses Suli

4. Paul Alamoti

5. Sione Katoa

6. Tuimoala Lolohea

7. Isaiya Katoa

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Siliva Havili

10. Felise Kaufusi

11. Haumole Olakau’atu

12. Eli Katoa

13. Jason Taumalolo

Interchange

14. Soni Luke

15. Sitili Tupouniua

16. Taniela Paseka

17. Siua Wong

Reserves

18. Tolutau Koula

19. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

20. Isaiah Iongi

21. Keaon Koloamatangi

NEW ZEALAND VS TONGA PREDICTION

There is plenty on the line on Saturday as New Zealand face Tonga with a place in the final on the line for the winner. New Zealand will be desperate to win to put themselves in with a shot of reaching the final as they bid to retain their title.

They must beat Tonga here which will be no easy feat, although they have won their last two meetings against them. Tonga struggled to create openings in their match against Australia which they lost 18-0 but they had enough of the ball. 

The Kiwis on the other hand did manage to get on the scoreboard going down 22-10 so they will see those results and fancy their chances.

It is the Kiwis who have the greater quality in their ranks and it is a match they should be winning. Tonga have had more recovery and preparation time so that should benefit them but we expect New Zealand to have just enough to get the win and cover the handicap too.

NEW ZEALAND VS TONGA TIP: NEW ZEALAND TO WIN -5.5 POINTS