Three Wests Tigers players have earned a place in the squads for next weekend’s international test match between New Zealand and Tonga.
Ken Maumalo has been named to represent the Kiwis, while Kristian Woolf has selected Joe Ofahengaue and Starford To’a in the 25-man squad for Mate Ma’a Tonga.
Maumalo has been a shining light for the Wests Tigers in 2022, crossing for ten tries across eleven appearances.
He has been responsible for finishing 31% of the tries that Wests Tigers have scored this season, the second-highest percentage of any player in the competition.
Maumalo is no stranger to the representative arena, having played nine matches for New Zealand dating back to 2015.
On the other side of the ledger, Joe Ofahengaue will look to provide additional starch to a strong forward pack that boasts the likes of Jason Taumalolo, Addin Fonua-Blake and Tevita Pangai Jr.
Ofahengaue has been one of the strongest performers for the Wests Tigers this season, ranking 16th in the competition for tackles and 26th for total runs.
He’ll be joined by To’a, who has provided tremendous utility value to the Wests Tigers squad since joining the club in January.
To’a made his club debut on the wing before transitioning into the centres and filling in at the back while Daine Laurie was recovering from injury.
The test match will be played at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland and Wests Tigers fans can watch the match on Channel 9, Foxtel or Kayo next Saturday afternoon at 3pm.
Congratulations to all three players for achieving this prestigious honour.
https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2022/06/15/three-wests-tigers-selected-for-nz-vs-tonga/
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Congratulations to the three selected.
I've been excited for this game all year.
Now I'm even more pumped with Kenny, Joffa and Toa all playing.
If they managed this right, NZ v Tonga could be the new State of Origin
Top 8 2023
Really are ppl gonna watch this rubbish!!
Really are ppl gonna watch this rubbish!!
International football is rubbish now?
For those interested in international rugby league - have a listen to the Chasing Kangaroos Podcast.
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNmZmM0L3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz?ep=14
Top 8 2023
NZ v Tonga should be a annual fixture build it up it will be like an origin for the pacific
There’s about 4 or 5 Nz or Tongans playing in state of origin. The whole thing is a farce to me. And when these 4 or 5 players don’t make the origin teams they align back with their country. Hello Mr Ofhengaue 🤔
Good luck to all players ...please don't get hurt
Congrats to the boys. Joe in particular has deserved his selection, one of the very few that have tuned in to play footy
These mid season internationals are awesome. So what if they include outcasts from SOO? Good viewing as the players really get up for these games
Nofoaluma picked for Samoa for the weekend after this weekend at Campbelltown
NZ v Tonga should be a annual fixture build it up it will be like an origin for the pacific
There’s about 4 or 5 Nz or Tongans playing in state of origin. The whole thing is a farce to me. And when these 4 or 5 players don’t make the origin teams they align back with their country. Hello Mr Ofhengaue 🤔
You realise that it is specifically written into the rules that way specifically to strengthen international RL and prevent the situation where it would cost them potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars to represent their country.
Its a feature not a bug.
