Mate Ma’a Tonga Rugby League World Cup Squad 2026
Few rivalries in rugby league run as deep as Tonga and Samoa, and at RLWC 2026 they could meet with a semi-final spot on the line.
But before that, every Tonga fan wants to know one thing: who will actually pull on the red jersey?
Tonga have confirmed their final 23-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026, led by Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake, after cutting prop Moeaki Fotuaika.
Tonga open their campaign against England in Perth on Saturday 17 October, before facing Lebanon and then Samoa in Parramatta.
This page covers the full squad, the key players, and every fixture with kick-off times in Tonga time.
We’ll keep it updated with team lists and injuries, so bookmark it if you’re following the Mate Ma’a.
Quick Answer: Mate Ma’a Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup 2026
- Squad: Final 23 confirmed on 9 October 2026, after 24 were named on 6 October
- Coach: Kristian Woolf
- Key players: Jason Taumalolo, Addin Fonua-Blake and Isaiya Katoa
- Opponents: England, Lebanon and Samoa
- First match: England v Tonga, Saturday 17 October, HBF Park, Perth, 10:05pm Tonga time
- Best World Cup result: Semi-finals in 2017
Has Tonga Named Its World Cup Squad?
Yes. Tonga named 24 players on 6 October 2026 in Nuku’alofa, then cut Gold Coast prop Moeaki Fotuaika to confirm the final 23.
Mate Ma’a Tonga or Tonga XIII?
You may see Tonga’s men’s team called both Mate Ma’a Tonga and Tonga XIII. They are the same national team: Mate Ma’a Tonga, meaning “Die for Tonga”, is the famous name fans know, while the team played as Tonga XIII at the 2025 Pacific Championships under its current governing body.
Mate Ma’a Tonga’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 Squad
Here is Kristian Woolf’s final 23-man squad. Halfback Junior Amone is in after being cleared to play by the IRL and NRL.
| Players | Players | Players |
|---|---|---|
| Paul ‘Alamoti | Leka Halasima | Taniela Paseka |
| Junior Amone | Lehi Hopoate | Jason Taumalolo |
| Latu Fainu | Isaiya Katoa | Robert Toia |
| Jojo Fifita | Sione Katoa | Stefano Utoikamanu |
| Kulikefu Finefeuiaki | Tolutau Koula | Demitric Vaimauga |
| Salesi Foketi | Tu’imoala Lolohea | Dallin Watene-Zelezniak |
| Addin Fonua-Blake | Soni Luke | Siua Wong |
| Tyson Frizell | Haumole Olakau’atu |
Latu Fainu is in after the Fainu brothers couldn’t prove their Fijian heritage for Fiji’s squad. Will Penisini, Moses Suli and veteran winger Daniel Tupou missed out.
Woolf cut Titans prop Moeaki Fotuaika for the “balance of the squad”, given Tonga’s strength up front. Felise Kaufusi was another hard call to miss out.
Key Tonga Players to Watch
Jason Taumalolo
Taumalolo was one of the first stars to choose Tonga over New Zealand back in 2017, a decision that changed international rugby league. The Cowboys lock is still one of the most feared runners in the game.
Addin Fonua-Blake
The Sharks prop gives Tonga huge power in the middle of the field. Along with Taumalolo, he gives Tonga one of the most intimidating forward packs at the tournament.
Isaiya Katoa
The Dolphins halfback is Tonga’s leading point-scorer and the man who will control their attack. How well he performs against England and Samoa could decide Tonga’s World Cup.
Tonga Fixtures and Kick-off Times (Tonga Time)
| Date | Match | Stadium | Local time | Tonga time | UK time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 17 Oct | England v Tonga | HBF Park, Perth | 5:05pm | 10:05pm | 10:05am |
| Fri 23 Oct | Tonga v Lebanon | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta | 8:05pm | 10:05pm | 10:05am |
| Sun 1 Nov | Tonga v Samoa | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta | 8:05pm | 10:05pm | 9:05am |
All three Tonga matches kick off at 10:05pm Tonga time. The Samoa clash on 1 November is the final match of a triple-header at CommBank Stadium. For every other match, see our full Rugby League World Cup 2026 draw.
For Tonga’s team list, results and next match, see our Tonga rugby league next game page.
How Tonga Can Reach the Semi-Finals
Tonga are in Group C with France and Papua New Guinea, but they play the three teams in Group B instead: England, Lebanon and Samoa. All six teams from Groups B and C are ranked in one combined table, and only the top two reach the semi-finals.
A strong start against England in Perth would put Tonga in a great position, but the Samoa match is likely to be the decider. Our Samoa rugby league World Cup squad page covers Tonga’s biggest rivals, and the RLWC 2026 teams and groups guide covers every nation.
Who Is Tonga’s Coach?
Kristian Woolf is Tonga’s head coach. The Australian led Tonga to the 2017 World Cup semi-finals and won three Super League titles as St Helens coach, making him one of the most experienced coaches at the tournament.
How to Watch Tonga at the World Cup
- Australia: Free on the Seven Network and 7plus
- New Zealand: Sky Sport
- UK and Ireland: Premier Sports (subscription)
- Tonga: We are confirming local TV coverage in Tonga and will add it here as soon as it is announced.
For other countries, see our guide to watching RLWC 2026.
Tickets for Tonga’s Matches
Tickets start from $19 AUD for adults and $49 AUD for families. The Tonga v Samoa match is expected to be one of the hottest tickets of the group stage, so buy early. Our RLWC 2026 tickets guide explains where to buy safely and how to avoid scam sellers.
Tonga’s Rugby League World Cup History
Tonga have played at five World Cups since 1995. Their best run came in 2017, when they beat New Zealand in the group stage and reached the semi-finals. See the full story in our Rugby League World Cup history and winners list.
Is Tonga’s Women’s Team at the World Cup?
No. Tonga’s women’s team did not qualify for the 2026 Women’s World Cup after losing their qualifier to Samoa. Their coaches, Meg Ward and Vanessa Foliaki, are building towards the next Women’s World Cup.
Tonga World Cup Squad: Frequently Asked Questions
Has Tonga named its Rugby League World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Tonga confirmed their final 23-man squad after cutting prop Moeaki Fotuaika from the 24 players named on 6 October 2026.
Who is Tonga’s rugby league coach?
Kristian Woolf is Tonga’s head coach for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. He also led Tonga to the 2017 World Cup semi-finals.
When is Tonga’s first World Cup match?
Tonga play England on Saturday 17 October 2026 at HBF Park in Perth, kicking off at 5:05pm Perth time, which is 10:05pm in Tonga.
When do Tonga play Samoa at the World Cup?
Tonga play Samoa on Sunday 1 November 2026 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, kicking off at 8:05pm Sydney time, which is 10:05pm in Tonga.
Is Mate Ma’a Tonga the same as Tonga XIII?
Yes. Mate Ma’a Tonga and Tonga XIII are two names for the same Tonga men’s national rugby league team.
Conclusion
Mate Ma’a Tonga bring passion, power and one of the best forward packs to the Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Kristian Woolf led them to the semi-finals in 2017, and his new squad has NRL stars like Addin Fonua-Blake and Haumole Olakau’atu.
Their campaign starts against England in Perth on 17 October, and the clash with Samoa on 1 November could decide a semi-final place. See every kick-off in our Rugby League World Cup 2026 kick-off times guide.
Size up their rivals on our England squad and Toa Samoa squad pages, and book your seats with our tickets guide.
Follow injury news on our Rugby League World Cup 2026 injury list. For official news, visit rlwc2026.com.
Tonga Squad Updates
- 9 October 2026: Final 23 confirmed. Moeaki Fotuaika cut, and Junior Amone cleared to play.
- 6 October 2026: Tonga named a 24-man squad, with one player still to be cut before the opener against England.
- Earlier: Page published before the squad announcement.
