Four Manly players featured in Tonga's 20-18 victory over Samoa: Haumole Olakau'atu, Tolu Koula, Lehi Hopoate and Taniela Paseka.
Olakau'atu says the Sea Eagles' Pasifika culture is helping attract emerging players, while keeping them connected to their backgrounds and supported away from family.
He credited the people at Manly, including Jason King, for making players feel included.
"I think it just comes down to the people we have within the club. I know Jason King personally, they're very great people and they've been around back when Manly had such great success back then," Olakau'atu said.
"We really appreciate it, and feel fortunate enough for them to not only include us, but the culture as well."
That approach could give Manly an advantage in recruiting islander talent.
Olakau'atu's messages helped persuade Fatialofa, a promising 21-year-old forward with New Zealand and Samoan heritage, to join the club.
The NSW representative spoke positively about Manly's culture and support for Islander players, and plans to mentor Fatialofa when he arrives.
"I was definitely one to be in his shoes and had a lot of experiences over the years similar to him," Olakau'atu shared.