LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Young talent time for Tonga as Woolf adds star rookies

With an exciting blend of emerging young talent and some of the NRL's leading forwards, coach Kristian Woolf is optimistic about Tonga's prospects in this year's Pacific Championships.

The squad features all three nominees for the NRL rookie of the year: Leka Halasima, Isaiah Iongi, and winner Rob Toia. Additional young players, including Demitric Vaimauga and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, alongside NSW Blues and Storm prop Stefano Utoikamanu, are also poised to make their debuts.

Although Isaiya Katoa is no longer a rookie, much of Tonga's fortunes will depend on him. He first captured attention as a teenager while playing in the red jersey.

Now 21, Katoa has taken on co-captaincy for the Dolphins this season and ranked equal third in the Dally M medal count. Woolf indicated that there's even more to expect from this talented player.