LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The 2024 Pacific Championships have wrapped up with the Australian Kangaroos clinching the title over Tonga in a thrilling Final showdown.
However, every nation competing in the tournament faced challenges as key players were sidelined with injuries or suspensions.
After the dust settled, Zero Tackle took a deep dive into each national team, analyzing who they could have fielded if all players were fit and available for selection.
Coached by Kristian Woolf, Tonga put up a strong fight in the Championships but fell short of their full potential due to missing stars.
Despite their valiant effort in reaching the Championship Final against powerhouse Australia, Tonga had to endure the absence of star players like David Fifita, Tevita Tatola, Tyson Frizell, Will Penisini, Moeaki Fotuaika, Siosifa Talakai, Konrad Hurrell, and Siosiua Taukeiaho, just to name a few.
In the grand scheme of rugby league history, Tonga's Best 17 would have been a force to be reckoned with, blending talent and skill from a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars.
With a full squad available, Tonga could have posed an even greater challenge to their opponents in the Pacific Championships.