LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
[In what can only be described as an absolute ripper of an announcement, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have revealed that four of their top blokes have been picked to pull on the Tongan jersey for the upcoming Pacific Championships.]
[Lehi Hopoate, Tolu Koula, Haumole Olakau'atu, and Taniela Paseka have been given the nod to represent Tonga, and they'll be showing off their skills in a showdown against Australia at Suncorp Stadium on October 18.
It'll be a clash that's bound to set the footy world alight with excitement.]
[Koula and Olakau'atu have already made their mark on the international stage, with six and five Tests under their belts since debuting together back in 2022.
These fellas have proven they're the real deal when it comes to rugby league, and they'll be looking to make their mark once again in the upcoming tournament.]
[Olakau'atu's standout performances for the Sea Eagles this season also earned him a spot in the NSW squad, where he played a crucial role in their series win.
The bloke just keeps going from strength to strength, and he'll be aiming to bring that same energy to the Tongan team on the big stage.]
[As for Hopoate and Paseka, this will be their first time suiting up for Tonga, and you can bet they're chomping at the bit to show what they're made of.
It's a fair dinkum honour for these lads and their families, and they'll be looking to leave it all out on the field in a display of true grit and determination.]
[Hopoate's stellar season has been recognised with the Ken Arthurson Rising Star Award, a well-deserved accolade for the young gun who made a massive impact in his debut NRL season.
His selection for the Tongan squad is just the cherry on top of what has been a cracking year for the talented 19-year-old.]