2019 Test Tonga V Great Britain: Teams and Game Day

[greeneyed]

2019 Test Tonga V Great Britain: Teams and Game Day

Saturday 22 October, 8:00pm (NZT), 6:00pm (AEDT)
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Gates open 5:00pm (NZT)
Physical Disabled Rugby League South Pacific 9's Challenge 6:00pm (NZT)
Tickets: Click here
TV coverage: GEM, Fox League Channel 502

Tonga

1. Will Hopoate 2. David Fusitu'a 3. Michael Jennings 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Daniel Tupou 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Ata Hingano 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Siliva Havili 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Manu Ma'u 13. Jason Taumalolo

14. Sione Katoa 15. Addin Fonua-Blake 16. John Asiata 17. Sitili Tupouniua

18. Junior Tatola 19. Konrad Hurrell 20. Tesi Niu

Great Britain

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Jermaine McGillvary 3. Zak Hardaker 4. Oliver Gildart 5. Ryan Hall 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Chris Hill 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Luke Thompson 11. John Bateman 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. James Graham (c)

14. Josh Jones 15. Tom Burgess 16. Jonny Lomax 17. Alex Walmsley

18. Jake Connor 19. Jack Hughes

[Billy Walker]

On paper I think I’m tipping Tonga in this one. Some very good forwards and outside backs. Should be a very good match up.

[-TW-]

That's if they don't fone it in

They could easily get beat by 50 or win by 50

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[Billy Walker]

That's if they don't fone it in

They could easily get beat by 50 or win by 50

Sent from my ELE-L29 using Tapatalk

True - they were never going to do much in the 9’s having picked the world’s largest team but they look ok in this match up if they have a crack.

[-PJ-]

I'm looking forward to seeing all Raiders boys over both matches..

[afgtnk]

That's one hell of a forward pack Tonga have - pity they don't have the spine to match.

Thinking England by 12-16.

[MrPosh]

S Burgess and Roby are big misses for us. Both are significant upgrades on their replacements.

Also not happy about the Aussies in the squad. Can live with Coote, as he's done the hard yards with Scotland, but the other two shouldn't be there. Especially Austin who isn't close to being good enough.

Appreciate the Tonga pack is good, but I'll take the GB one all day long.

[Dusty]

S Burgess and Roby are big misses for us. Both are significant upgrades on their replacements.

Also not happy about the Aussies in the squad. Can live with Coote, as he's done the hard yards with Scotland, but the other two shouldn't be there. Especially Austin who isn't close to being good enough.

Appreciate the Tonga pack is good, but I'll take the GB one all day long.

Mr Posh,

How many from that squad play for other nations other than England?


Sent from my iPhone using The Greenhouse

[Billy Walker]

I’ve got the Tongans winning this one. Too many big bodies across the park - Austin will have nightmares for years about enormous men in red jumpers trampling him!

[greeneyed]

Canberra Raiders Ata Hingano and Siliva Havili to start for Tonga in Test against Great Britain Lions

Canberra Raiders hooker/forward Siliva Havili has been named in Tonga's No. 9 jersey for the island nation's clash with the Great Britain Lions on Saturday night at Hamilton - while departing Raiders half, Ata Hingano will start at No. 7.

Great Britain has been forced to delay naming their team until Wednesday, because the team was evacuated from their Auckland hotel due to a large fire at the nearby SkyCity Convention construction. They have departed for Hamilton a day early as a result, packing and leaving in the space of 20 minutes.

Tonga

1. Will Hopoate, 2. David Fusitu'a, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Daniel Tupou, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea, 7. Ata Hingano, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 12. Manu Ma'u, 13. Jason Taumalolo

14. Sione Katoa, 15. Addin Fonua-Blake, 16. John Asiata, 17. Sitili Tupouniua

18. Junior Tatola, 19. Konrad Hurrell, 20. Tesi Niu

[MrPosh]

S Burgess and Roby are big misses for us. Both are significant upgrades on their replacements.

Also not happy about the Aussies in the squad. Can live with Coote, as he's done the hard yards with Scotland, but the other two shouldn't be there. Especially Austin who isn't close to being good enough.

Appreciate the Tonga pack is good, but I'll take the GB one all day long.

Mr Posh,

How many from that squad play for other nations other than England?


Sent from my iPhone using The Greenhouse

Coote for Scotland and Philbin for Ireland - although the latter was quite a surprise pick.

Wales' Morgan Knowles would probably have made the squad if he was fit, but that would probably have been in Philbin's place.

Regan Grace (an actual Welsh Welshman, as opposed to a hereditary one) was probably the only other non English player under consideration.

This is only a rebadged England. I'm fine with that (the kit is more evocative, if nothing else), but we shouldn't pretend it's anything else.

[Dusty]

S Burgess and Roby are big misses for us. Both are significant upgrades on their replacements.

Also not happy about the Aussies in the squad. Can live with Coote, as he's done the hard yards with Scotland, but the other two shouldn't be there. Especially Austin who isn't close to being good enough.

Appreciate the Tonga pack is good, but I'll take the GB one all day long.

Mr Posh,

How many from that squad play for other nations other than England?


Sent from my iPhone using The Greenhouse

Coote for Scotland and Philbin for Ireland - although the latter was quite a surprise pick.

Wales' Morgan Knowles would probably have made the squad if he was fit, but that would probably have been in Philbin's place.

Regan Grace (an actual Welsh Welshman, as opposed to a hereditary one) was probably the only other non English player under consideration.

This is only a rebadged England. I'm fine with that (the kit is more evocative, if nothing else), but we shouldn't pretend it's anything else.

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using The Greenhouse

[greeneyed]

Canberra Raiders Hodgson, Whitehead and Bateman selected for Great Britain Lions team to face Tonga

Canberra Raiders hooker Josh Hodgson and forwards Elliott Whitehead and John Bateman have been selected in the Great Britain Lions starting team to take on Tonga in Hamilton on Saturday night. New Raiders recruit George Williams has been named on the extended bench, with Jackson Hastings and Gareth Widdop to start in the halves.

Great Britain Lions

1. Lachlan Coote (Windsor Wolves, St Helens)
2. Jermaine McGillvary (Deighton Juniors, Huddersfield Giants)
3. Zak Hardaker (Featherstone Lions, Wigan Warriors)
4. Oliver Gildart (Wigan St Patricks, Wigan Warriors)
5. Ryan Hall (Oulton Raiders, Sydney Roosters)
6. Gareth Widdop (Kings Cross, St George Illawarra Dragons)
7. Jackson Hastings (Western Suburbs Red Devils, Salford Red Devils)
8. Chris Hill (New Springs Lions, Warrington Wolves)
9. Josh Hodgson (East Hull, Canberra Raiders)
10. Luke Thompson (Bold Miners, St Helens)
11. John Bateman (Bradford Dudley Hill, Canberra Raiders)
12. Elliott Whitehead (West Bowling, Canberra Raiders)
13. James Graham (c) (Blackbrook, St George Illawarra Dragons)

14. Josh Jones (Blackbrook, Salford Red Devils)
15. Tom Burgess (Dewsbury Moor, South Sydney Rabbitohs)
16. Jonny Lomax (Orrell St James, St Helens)
17. Alex Walmsley (Dewsbury Celtic, St Helens)

18. Jake Connor (Siddal, Hull FC)
19. Jack Hughes (Golborne Parkside, Warrington Wolves)
20. George Williams (Wigan St Patricks, Wigan Warriors)
21. Daryl Clark (Fryston Warriors, Warrington Wolves)

Read more: https://www.rugby-league.com/article/55 ... win-th-cap

Great Britain Lions launch Tonga raid: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

[BadnMean]

Just noticed Williams has been punted for Hastings... Interesting call by Wayne.

[greeneyed]

Just noticed Williams has been punted for Hastings... Interesting call by Wayne.

I'd say that has more to do with the fact that this is a tour... and they have two first tier Tests against New Zealand coming up. On a tour, the coaches generally aim to give all the players a game.

[BadnMean]

Just noticed Williams has been punted for Hastings... Interesting call by Wayne.

I'd say that has more to do with the fact that this is a tour... and they have two first tier Tests against New Zealand coming up. On a tour, the coaches generally aim to give all the players a game.

Ah ok. I hadn't thought of that.

Tonga really look like a Tier 1 nation lineup these days. Some real quality.

I hope Hingano goes well.

[greeneyed]

@TheGHRaiders on Twitter

VIDEO: Mal Meninga will make a call tomorrow on whether Canberra Raiders forward Josh Papalii will be fit to play in the Trans Tasman Test. Plus hear from John Bateman on the Lions' Test preparations. WIN News Canberra reports: http://ow.ly/NEF150wRSac

#NRL #WeAreRaiders

[MrPosh]

Just noticed Williams has been punted for Hastings... Interesting call by Wayne.

I'd say that has more to do with the fact that this is a tour... and they have two first tier Tests against New Zealand coming up. On a tour, the coaches generally aim to give all the players a game.

Hastings has had an incredible year over here. If you accept he qualifies, he has to play.

I'd like to see Connor in for Hardaker and I also think Chris Hill is past his sell by. Other than that, this is a strong team.

[greeneyed]

Just noticed Williams has been punted for Hastings... Interesting call by Wayne.

I'd say that has more to do with the fact that this is a tour... and they have two first tier Tests against New Zealand coming up. On a tour, the coaches generally aim to give all the players a game.

Hastings has had an incredible year over here. If you accept he qualifies, he has to play.

I'd like to see Connor in for Hardaker and I also think Chris Hill is past his sell by. Other than that, this is a strong team.

I very much doubt Wayne Bennett will use Jackson Hastings in his strongest team... but I could be wrong.

[jamesp1987]

Just noticed Williams has been punted for Hastings... Interesting call by Wayne.

I'd say that has more to do with the fact that this is a tour... and they have two first tier Tests against New Zealand coming up. On a tour, the coaches generally aim to give all the players a game.

Hastings has had an incredible year over here. If you accept he qualifies, he has to play.

I'd like to see Connor in for Hardaker and I also think Chris Hill is past his sell by. Other than that, this is a strong team.

I very much doubt Wayne Bennett will use Jackson Hastings in his strongest team... but I could be wrong.

I think its probably gone under the radar down under just how good Hastings has been this year. I think 99% of Wigan fans consider him an upgrade over Williams, which is no slight on George it just gives you an idea of how good Jackson has been on the pitch for an average Salford team and also how much he seems to have grown off it. Heavily involved in the community and appears to be knuckling down and making the most of his undoubted potential.
He'll be back in the NRL in 2021 if he has another year like this.

Also looking forward to seeing how Luke Thompson goes against this pack, he's been phenomenal this year.

[jamesp1987]

Just noticed Williams has been punted for Hastings... Interesting call by Wayne.

I'd say that has more to do with the fact that this is a tour... and they have two first tier Tests against New Zealand coming up. On a tour, the coaches generally aim to give all the players a game.

Hastings has had an incredible year over here. If you accept he qualifies, he has to play.

I'd like to see Connor in for Hardaker and I also think Chris Hill is past his sell by. Other than that, this is a strong team.

I think I'd have gone Widdop at full back with Lomax and Hastings at 6 and 7 with Connor taking the 14 role to cover the backs/dummy half, I'm interested to see how Hardaker goes against a decent side as I agree he hasn't done a huge amount to justify the shirt.

[greeneyed]

I’ve followed what’s happened with Jackson Hastings. I just somehow doubt that’s enough for Bennett. He’d want more than one good season.

[MrPosh]

I’ve followed what’s happened with Jackson Hastings. I just somehow doubt that’s enough for Bennett. He’d want more than one good season.

I would suspect the same, but he played and extra week into the season than Williams, so if there was a question of rotation, you'd think it would be the other way around.

I guess he's being given the chance to make it his jersey. Don't perform and Lomax or Williams will be in for the next test.

[greeneyed]

Canberra Raiders forward John Bateman wants Great Britain Lions to sweep away the grand final pain

Canberra Raiders star John Bateman wants a Great Britain Lions cleansweep to help put his NRL grand final heartbreak behind him.

"Four more games to go. The last game we played didn't go the way we wanted, but it's one of them [where] it's been a good season for us," Bateman said.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... e-gf-pain/

[greeneyed]

Grand final experience has Lions primed for Tonga, says Canberra Raiders forward John Bateman

Nine of the Great Britain Lions' players named to face Tonga on Saturday made the decider in either the NRL or Super League this year, compared to Tonga who have only three players in the same boat.

"I'd probably say we are a step ahead in fitness on previous years because we haven't had much time off," Canberra Raiders forward John Bateman said.

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/10/24/gra ... for-tonga/

[greeneyed]

Canberra Raiders forward John Bateman ready for ‘pretty mad’ Great Britain debut after beating homesickness

Hamilton is about as far away from Bradford as you can get in every sense, but early on Saturday morning a small corner of the West Yorkshire city will be shunning a lie-in to meet up and watch one of their own.

“The benefit of playing so well this year means I now get the chance to play for Great Britain, which is something you dream of doing as a kid when you’re getting up early to watch the tour games on television.”

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/ ... gby-league

Great Britain expecting Tonga to bring their A-game

Great Britain are expecting another sea of red in the opening matching of their Southern Hemisphere rugby league tour against a Tonga Invitational XIII on Saturday.

"It's a massive opportunity. It's been 12 years now and I was lucky enough to watch it as a kid but obviously I've never had the chance to be selected for Great Britain so I'm over the moon to be in the squad and looking forward to the series ahead," new Canberra Raiders signing George Williams said.

Read more: https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pac ... eir-a-game

Great Britain reduce their squad to 19, with George Williams and Daryl Clark omitted from the extended bench:

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Jermaine McGillvary 3. Zak Hardaker 4. Oliver Gildart 5. Ryan Hall 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Chris Hill 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Luke Thompson 11. John Bateman 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. James Graham (c)

14. Josh Jones 15. Tom Burgess 16. Jonny Lomax 17. Alex Walmsley

18. Jake Connor 19. Jack Hughes

[greeneyed]

Canberra Raiders forward Elliott Whitehead poised to make Great Britain Lions debut

This is a dream born out of Bradford. This is one Elliott Whitehead has been yearning for - and the reality of the tough test that awaits is music to his ears.

"Pulling the shirt on is going to be a big moment in my career. I've always wanted to do it and I get the opportunity to do it, so looking forward to that," Whitehead said.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

[greeneyed]

Tonga v Great Britain Lions: Canberra Raiders hooker Josh Hodgson proud to follow in Lee Jackson’s footsteps

IT has been a quarter-of-a-century since Lee Jackson, one of the best hookers of his generation, last pulled on a Great Britain jersey. Today will see one of the best rakes of the current game – and another son of Hull – follow in his footsteps when the Lions face Tonga in Hamilton.

“It’s the first Great Britain Test for a long while now so we’re really excited about wearing that jumper with pride and making sure we set a really good standard in these first few games.

Read more: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/r ... 1-10068378

[The Greenhouse]

Welcome to our coverage of tonight's Test match between Tonga and the Great Britain Lions at Waikato Stadium at Hamilton. Ata Hingano (shoulder) has dropped out of the Tongan team, while the three Raiders representatives in the Lions will line up as expected. Here are the final team line ups:

Tonga

1. Will Hopoate 2. David Fusitu'a 3. Michael Jennings 19. Konrad Hurrell 5. Daniel Tupou 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 20. Tesi Niu 15. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Siliva Havili 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Manu Ma'u 13. Jason Taumalolo

8. Andrew Fifita 14. Sione Katoa 16. John Asiata 17. Sitili Tupouniua

18. Junior Tatola

Great Britain Lions

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Jermaine McGillvary 3. Zak Hardaker 4. Oliver Gildart 5. Ryan Hall 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Chris Hill 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Luke Thompson 11. John Bateman 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. James Graham (c)

14. Josh Jones 15. Tom Burgess 16. Jonny Lomax 17. Alex Walmsley

[The Greenhouse]

Quite a poor crowd at Hamilton.

Great Maori ceremony to welcome the teams...

Great Britain now walk out onto the field. Met with silence from the crowd, really. Now Tonga. It's a bit emotional seeing our Canberra Raiders reps out there!

Now the national anthems... first God save the Queen... and now the anthem of Tonga. Sea of red and white flags.

Siliva Havili leading the Sipi Tau. It is an amazing sight.
https://twitter.com/NRLonNine/status/11 ... 8603885568

[The Greenhouse]

Tonga kick off... out on the full! Penalty to Great Britain!

Josh Hodgson reflects prior to the game: https://twitter.com/NRLonNine/status/11 ... 4406879233

[Raiders666]

Everybody will be watching the All Blacks...

[The Greenhouse]

8th min Elliott Whitehead getting a fair bit of bandaging to his left thigh. Tonga right on the attack in the red zone after earning a forced line drop out.

[The Greenhouse]

20th min Still 0-0... and it is a fierce battle this one! Sensational game so far.

[Raiders666]

Great Britain are trash