International Round - Saturday Triple Header

International footy is back, and there’s no better way to do it than a Saturday triple header! The rugby league world cup commences on the 15th of October this year, and nations will be preparing their squads for England - announcing full-strength lineups, filled with plenty of big-name players. Tonga’s Jason Taumalolo, New Zealand’s Jahrome Hughes and Brandon Smith, as well as Samoa’s deadly Penrith young guns - Izack Tago and Taylan May.

New Zealand v Mate Ma’a Tonga - Saturday 3:20 pm. Mt Smart Stadium, New Zealand.

Our triple-header kicks off with a blockbuster clash, with New Zealand hosting Tonga at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium. A packed-out crowd is guaranteed, New Zealand handed their first taste of rugby league since August 2019.

That year, Tonga pulled off an astonishing upset, downing the Kangaroos 16-12 in front of a sold-out Eden Park. It’s set to be a physical matchup for Tonga, having lost both of their last fixtures against the Kiwis by over 20 points.

Joey Manu is a big inclusion for New Zealand at fullback, along with Dylan Brown and Jahrome Hughes in the halves, who are both individually establishing themselves as some of the most creative playmakers in the NRL. Additionally, New Zealand is accompanied by one of the strongest forward packs in International Rugby League, including the likes of Jesse Bromwich (captain), James Fisher-Harris and Eels star Isaiah Papali’i.

On the other hand, Manly centre Tolutau Koula will play fullback in his Tongan debut, guided by the half combination of Talatau Amone and Kotoni Staggs, after the latter was overlooked for Origin selection. Tonga’s hitmen Addin Fonua-Blake, Siosiua Taukeiaho (captain), Keaon Koloamatangi and Jason Taumolo are assured to play a huge part for Tonga, as they search for their first international win since June 2018.

Expect both forward packs to come out firing, with New Zealand predicted to win this contest. However, we know Tonga will play with passion and pride, especially throughout their fiery pack.

Catch the game live on Channel Nine, Fox Sports or Kayo Sports from 3:20 pm, you wouldn’t want to miss this!

Samoa VS Cook Islands - Saturday 5:40 pm. Campbelltown Sports Stadium, NSW.

Emotions will run high as Samoa take the field against the Cook Islands, with the two teams meeting each other for the first time since 2009 when the Cook Islands produced an amazing upset to defeat Samoa 22-20 in a Pacific Cup qualifying match in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Samoan coach Seilala Mapusua has named a full-strength lineup to combat the Cook Islands, with Panthers trio, Charlie Staines (fullback), Taylan May (winger) and Izak Tago (centre) all set to make their debuts alongside each other. Chanel Harris Tavita and Anthony Milford will combine together in the halves, with Fa’amanu Brown also selected to come off the bench at utility. Samoa’s forward pack won’t be short of strike power, with Martin Tapau (prop), Josh Schuster and Jayden Su’A (2nd row) to play alongside one another.

Despite being yet to make his NRL debut, Newtown Jets and contracted Cronulla Sharks fullback Kayal Iro will make his second appearance for the Cook Islands. Titan’s centre and the Cook Islands captain Esan Marsters will instead play at five-eight, alongside Reece Joyce - another player without any first-grade experience.

Prepare for both teams to come firing out of the blocks, with Samoa being labelled as moderate favourites over the young Cook Islands outfit.

Kickoff is at 5:40 pm on Channel Nine, Fox Sports or Kayo Sports, with Samoa and the Cook Islands kicking off the Campbelltown Sports Stadium double header.

Papua New Guinea VS Fiji - Saturday 7:50 pm. Campbelltown Sports Stadium, NSW.

The final leg of Saturday’s triple-header concludes with Papua New Guinea taking on Fiji, in a star-studded lineup announced by both head coaches, Stanley Tepend of Papua New Guinea and Joe Dakuitoga of Fiji.

Failing to disappoint fans, the last matchup between both two nations was a thriller, with Fiji prevailing over PNG in a 22-20 thriller in Christchurch. Fijian strike-power forwards Viliame Kikau and Tui Kamikamica were amongst the try scorers, with Maika Sivo running for 214 metres in a man of the match performance.

For Papua New Guinea, experienced Alex Johnston will start at fullback, with David Mead (captain) and Justin Olam linking up in the centres. With Olam having made 7 appearances for PNG, you can almost guarantee that he’ll be lurking around the try line, searching for his 4th international try for the nation. Lachlan Lam has been named to start at halfback, and has been exceptional for the Sydney Roosters throughout the past seasons. Queensland Cup player Wartovo Puara will marshall the inexperienced PNG forward pack, with the heavy-hearted side expected to get off to a physical start against the Fiji representatives.

The Fijians are in no shortage of star power, with strike duo Maika Sivo and Mikaele Ravalawa named on the wing. On the inside, Waqa Blake and Semi Valemei will line up alongside each other. Experienced half Kevin Naiqama will marshall his troops around at captain, with Western Suburbs Magpie Nautu'a Masima named to partner him in his debut. Villiame Kikau and Taane Milne will be amongst the Fijian forward pack, of which they will both aim to take advantage of the young PNG pack.

Kickoff is at 7:50 pm on Channel Nine, Fox Sports or Kayo Sports, with Papua New Guinea and Fiji concluding the international round for 2022 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.