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Tonga name Taumalolo to face Kiwis
Scott Bailey, AAP • October 28th, 2025 7:05 pm
Jason Taumalolo will be back in the red of Tonga for the Pacific Championships clash with NZ | Photo: Darren England/AAP
Tonga have suffered another blow ahead of their must-win Pacific Cup clash against New Zealand with strike centre Robert Toia ruled out with a foot injury.
Coach Kristian Woolf was able to name captain Jason Taumalolo for Sunday's match, but it is far from clear sailing for the Pacific powerhouse.
Toia was one of Tonga's biggest pick ups this year, after a superb debut season in the NRL led to him playing all three State of Origin games for Queensland.
But the Sydney Roosters star was hurt in Sunday's loss to Samoa, with scans on his foot since ruling him out of the Eden Park clash against the Kiwis.
Robert Toia holds his Rookie of the Year trophy at the Dally M awards night | Photo: Steve Markham/AAP
His injury means Penrith winger Paul Alamoti will slot in at centre.
Prop Stefano Utoikamanu is also out with a concussion after being hit high at Suncorp Stadium, promoting Felise Kaufusi to move into the front row.
Tonga need everything to go their way to qualify for the final against Samoa, with a victory margin of at least 17 points required.
But such is their injury situation, Woolf was only able to name a 19-man squad.
The return of Taumalolo is at least a boost after he missed the 34-6 defeat to Samoa with a knee injury.
He has been named at No. 13 and is expected to play.
New Zealand have dropped Nelson Asofa-Solomona for the clash, with Xavier Willison replacing him on the bench.
Asofa-Solomona's future in rugby league remains uncertain, after he was released from his Melbourne contract.
The front-rower is yet to decide on a home for next season and has been linked to a move to rugby union.
Seb Kris has been called onto the Kiwis' wing for Ronaldo Mulitalo, after the Cronulla flyer ruptured his ACL in their first-up loss to Samoa.
Phoenix Crossland has moved to starting hooker for the injured Jeremy Marshall-King, with Te Maire Martin coming onto the bench.
Has the coverage of the Samoa vs Tonga aftermath been unfair? | Scotty & Izzy
