LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Mate Ma'a Tonga will start their 2023 Pacific Championships campaign with a match against the Kiwi Ferns in Auckland.
Despite not qualifying for last year's World Cup, Tonga is no stranger to the Kiwi Ferns, having faced them in a mid-year Test match last year.
In that encounter, Tonga suffered a 50-12 defeat in Auckland.
However, this year, Mate Ma'a will bring a more experienced side, including new NRLW stars like Tiana Penitani, a former Jillaroo.
On the other hand, the Kiwi Ferns couldn't secure a win against the Aussies in their recent match.
Consequently, coach Ricky Henry has made several positional changes in hopes of bouncing back in front of their passionate home crowd in Auckland.
After their devastating 50-point loss in the World Cup final last November, the Ferns showed resilience in their 16-10 effort against the Jillaroos.
However, they seem to have gone back to the drawing board as they prepare for a rematch against Australia following their clash with Tonga.