LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Utoikamanu, Toia, Halasima head list of Tonga debutants

Tonga has announced a 21-man squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships, where they will compete against Samoa and New Zealand.

Making his debut for Tonga is State of Origin centre Robert Toia, joining fellow newcomers Stefano Utoikamanu, Leka Halasima, and Demetric Vaimauga.

Toia, who plays for the Roosters, recently debuted for Queensland but will now represent his country of Origin.

Utoikamanu participated in the NRL Grand Final with the Storm, while Halasima and Vaimauga were integral to the Warriors' journey in the NRL finals.

The team plans to hold a pre-tournament camp in Tonga prior to facing Samoa at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, October 26.

Following that match, Tonga will travel to New Zealand to compete against the Kiwis at Eden Park on Sunday, November 2.

Once again, Kristian Woolf, the NRL coach of the Dolphins, will lead the Tongan team, with Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake serving as co-captains.