LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
'Doesn't faze me': Tonga size up against Kangaroos speed in Pacific Cup final
Australia will face off against a Tongan pack weighing more than a ton, but the Kangaroos are ready to take on the challenge with their own game plan.
Size may not be everything come Sunday, as Reuben Cotter believes Australia's smaller pack has the agility and endurance to outmaneuver Tonga's massive forwards in the middle of the field.
Tonga bulldozed through New Zealand's defense in their surprising 25-24 victory last weekend, led by Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo who racked up a whopping 388 meters to secure their spot in the Pacific Cup final in Sydney.
They will aim to dominate the middle once again on Sunday, with Fonua-Blake (123kg), Taniela Paseka (120kg), Taumalolo (115kg), Haumole Olakau'atu (113kg), and Eliesa Katoa (110kg) among the giants set to form a formidable total pack weight of 1004kg.
Even Tongan center Moses Suli (109kg) outweighs Australia's heaviest player, with Lindsay Collins, Pat Carrigan, and Isaah Yeo all at 106kg, but that didn't seem to matter in their previous encounter when the Kangaroos triumphed 18-0 in Brisbane last month.
While Tonga may have the advantage in sheer size and strength, the hosts boast the speed and endurance to outpace their opponents, with Cotter - weighing in at 95kg - a key player coming off the bench to cause problems.
"In the last few weeks, games have been tight until the very end, and I expect the same this weekend.
I believe the fitness will give us a significant edge.
We're all in top shape and ready to go," Cotter expressed confidently.