My Toa Samoa for Tonga:

1.Tangi Ropati

2.Misi Taulapapa

3.George Carmont

4.Nigel Vagana (c)

5.Francis Meli

6.Ben Roberts

7.Joseph Paulo

8.Kylie Leuluai

9.Terrence Seuseu

10.Tony Puletua

11.Lagi Setu

12.David Solomona

13.Harrison Hansen

 

INTERCHANGE: Willie Talau, Ali Lauiti'iti, Ben Te'o, Matt Utai

 

I think this game will be close, but Samoa will win it in the 2nd half. Sure Tonga has some firepower but they are lacking in-form players and experience. People have been bagging Tangi Ropati, but only because he is not playing in first grade - just remember that he was one of the standout players for the Manly Sea Eagles -- NRL CHAMPS -- feeder team. Lauiti'iti and Leuluai were both in the Super League Winning Team - Leeds Rhinos, Francis Meli and Willie Talau were part of the 2nd placed team. George Carmont has been the in form centre of the Super League and Harrison Hansen has been consistent. And regarding the halves; Ben Roberts has so much talent that can be unleashed - so the question is, will he shine when he is needed the most. Let's just say that if both teams click, Toa Samoa will come out on top.

Malo Kau Tama

What's going on ya'll!

Any one hear the outcome of the Tongan RL taking the RLIF to court, to allow Moimoi & Tuiaki to play in the WC?

There are 2 sides to this argument...

1. Both players did play for the Kiwi's last year, after electing to play for NZ after previously rep'ing Tonga...

2. Most major sports in the world like Soccer & Rugby Union for example have a "1 nation for life policy"... (and although I wish they were a little more flexible on that rule in regards to the PI nations in particular... eg players like Toutai Kefu & Mose Tuiali'i could return and play for Tonga and Samoa after a stand down period) 

This is very strict, but good on them for being clear and strict... no confusion, or any nonsence... RL on the other hand, do have rules that allow players to change their elected country, although there is a 2 year stand down.

RL is no where near a 'world game' as most other major sporting codes, there is a celebration for 100 years etc... and most of all... its the first bloody WC since 2000! You'd expect a little leeway, since: a, Tonga is one of the 'big guns' & b, the fans/spectators expect to see the best players rep'ing their sides/countries

here's an interesting article from Phil Gould on the matter!

http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/tongans-should-play-for-tonga/2008/10/18/1223750401833.html

one love

SELUMAN:

Malo Kau Tama

What's going on ya'll!

Any one hear the outcome of the Tongan RL taking the RLIF to court, to allow Moimoi & Tuiaki to play in the WC?

There are 2 sides to this argument...

1. Both players did play for the Kiwi's last year, after electing to play for NZ after previously rep'ing Tonga...

2. Most major sports in the world like Soccer & Rugby Union for example have a "1 nation for life policy"... (and although I wish they were a little more flexible on that rule in regards to the PI nations in particular... eg players like Toutai Kefu & Mose Tuiali'i could return and play for Tonga and Samoa after a stand down period) 

This is very strict, but good on them for being clear and strict... no confusion, or any nonsence... RL on the other hand, do have rules that allow players to change their elected country, although there is a 2 year stand down.

RL is no where near a 'world game' as most other major sporting codes, there is a celebration for 100 years etc... and most of all... its the first bloody WC since 2000! You'd expect a little leeway, since: a, Tonga is one of the 'big guns' & b, the fans/spectators expect to see the best players rep'ing their sides/countries

here's an interesting article from Phil Gould on the matter!

http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/tongans-should-play-for-tonga/2008/10/18/1223750401833.html

one love

Sorry ya'll... it's getting late... that should have read... "since: a, Tonga is not one of the 'big guns'

ok, tau pouli a'!!

Good team tonga but will frazer anderson play or not?

dWdHELLCAT:

Good team tonga but will frazer anderson play or not?

No, Fraser Anderson is out injured as well as his brother Louis

SELUMAN:

SELUMAN:

Malo Kau Tama

What's going on ya'll!

Any one hear the outcome of the Tongan RL taking the RLIF to court, to allow Moimoi & Tuiaki to play in the WC?

There are 2 sides to this argument...

1. Both players did play for the Kiwi's last year, after electing to play for NZ after previously rep'ing Tonga...

2. Most major sports in the world like Soccer & Rugby Union for example have a "1 nation for life policy"... (and although I wish they were a little more flexible on that rule in regards to the PI nations in particular... eg players like Toutai Kefu & Mose Tuiali'i could return and play for Tonga and Samoa after a stand down period) 

This is very strict, but good on them for being clear and strict... no confusion, or any nonsence... RL on the other hand, do have rules that allow players to change their elected country, although there is a 2 year stand down.

RL is no where near a 'world game' as most other major sporting codes, there is a celebration for 100 years etc... and most of all... its the first bloody WC since 2000! You'd expect a little leeway, since: a, Tonga is one of the 'big guns' & b, the fans/spectators expect to see the best players rep'ing their sides/countries

here's an interesting article from Phil Gould on the matter!

http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/tongans-should-play-for-tonga/2008/10/18/1223750401833.html

one love

Sorry ya'll... it's getting late... that should have read... "since: a, Tonga is not one of the 'big guns'

ok, tau pouli a'!!

 

Geez Gus Gould talks alot of sh...it, but for once hes right but its not that easy...they're taking the matter to court but Love has said that they will fight back...the rule clearly states (yadi yadi ya) so i bet Fui and Tuiaki will not play for Tonga if you're gonna go by the book

TONGA will win this one,should be a good game but tonga will dare it up second half i pick the Tongan

 

Go Tonga

i think this will be the tounament where the island teams dominate & show their worth...tonga,samoa,fiji,PNG,nz coz at the moment that is where all the true talent is coming from.

oz is an island technically but they don't class themselves as islanders(LOL).

maybe,but roberts is your weak link....a real headcase!

Another bonus for the Toa is there Fitness and Conditioning trainers.

 *Apollo Perelini - Former Manu Samoa/ Toa Samoa St Helens Prop. He is also the Strength and Conditioning coach of the current St Helens Team.

* Willie Poching - Former Warriors/ Toa Samoa/ Kiwi Utility Player. Current Fitness and Conditioning Trainer for 08 ESL Champions Leeds Rhino's.

These uso's are the lesser known characters behind the scenes but there experience in getting the boys up for Big Matches will be invaluable.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Papers here in OZ are talking about Tonga-Samoa at war because Samoans refuse to support Tonga's cause to FREE Moimoi and Tuiaki.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,24542634-5006066,00.html

Even more fuel to add to the fire next week : ))

 

 

I have to admit that Roberts is unpredictable, he hasn't had a good season but the bulldogs didn't exactly fire did they. Your only as good as you want to be and being in a more disciplined environment should bring out the best in him. All he needs to do is stick next to  guys like Lauitiiti, Puletua, & Solomona who all posess great distibution skills and will free him up.

It's unfortunate that Moimoi and Tuiaki can not play. Tonga will still be a tough nut to crack but i'm picking Toa Samoa by 10.

THE MOST ANTICIPATED GAME IN THE TOURNAMENT FOR SURE!!

FA'AMALOSI MA AUA LE FEFE. LOTO TELE! 

Man ok ima very proud tongan but we shuldnt talk as much coz i think The samoans gonna kill us we should just wait and be humble about it like we all tongans are. Cos when i go on rugby 08 with tonga i always lose haha but man go MATE MA'A TONGA  lets try take our big brothers down!!!!!!!!!!!!

StarStuddedSamoa:

My Toa Samoa for Tonga:

1.Tangi Ropati

2.Misi Taulapapa

3.George Carmont

4.Nigel Vagana (c)

5.Francis Meli

6.Ben Roberts

7.Joseph Paulo

8.Kylie Leuluai

9.Terrence Seuseu

10.Tony Puletua

11.Lagi Setu

12.David Solomona

13.Harrison Hansen

 

INTERCHANGE: Willie Talau, Ali Lauiti'iti, Ben Te'o, Matt Utai

 

I think this game will be close, but Samoa will win it in the 2nd half. Sure Tonga has some firepower but they are lacking in-form players and experience. People have been bagging Tangi Ropati, but only because he is not playing in first grade - just remember that he was one of the standout players for the Manly Sea Eagles -- NRL CHAMPS -- feeder team. Lauiti'iti and Leuluai were both in the Super League Winning Team - Leeds Rhinos, Francis Meli and Willie Talau were part of the 2nd placed team. George Carmont has been the in form centre of the Super League and Harrison Hansen has been consistent. And regarding the halves; Ben Roberts has so much talent that can be unleashed - so the question is, will he shine when he is needed the most. Let's just say that if both teams click, Toa Samoa will come out on top.

Sole, seki lava kakou au man! That's EXACTLY the team I would go with esp for that all important first game, although i'd fit David Faiumu somewhere but not sure where? Perhaps with young Seuseu.

 Any of you cats going to the game? I'll be there with a few other uso's- I'm comparing this game as to a Bledisloe, the excitement and pressure keeps building!

TAMA TOA!!!!!!!!!

Regarding the Fuifui and Taniela: I reckon Tonga is becoming a bit greedy with their pickings. F&T new very well that if they played for the Kiwis then they wouldn't be allowed to play for Tonga at the world cup. Who's fault is it that they aren't able to play?... Its the players themselves. Tonga has already broken the rules by not including any local players in their squad why should they be able to this and get even more dispensations? I have nothing against Tonga but as the saying goes - You can't have your cake and eat it. Some may argue that Ben Roberts shouldn't be playing for Samoa but he was only named for the Kiwis and didn't actually play due to injury.

 Good Luck Fiji,Tonga, and Samoa

As I have already mentioned before, I'm on the Fence because you only have to look at a guy like "former" Kangaroo Jarryd Hayne who only last year played in the Green & Yellow but now lines up for Fiji. He was granted permission to play for the Bati so I don't see why it's any different allowing Tuiaki & Moimoi.

Then you have Samoa's coach John Ackland with his views which I also agree with:

 

Ackland said the rules were clear and other countries had abided by them. "I've got two opinions on it," Ackland said. "Firstly, the rules were laid out quite clearly and everyone else has abided by them, and secondly, why would they be prepared to consider players when obviously they were their second choice?

"They [Tonga] waited for the Kiwis to pick their side, so it's like they were countenancing being second choice. We asked our guys a while ago if they wanted to play for New Zealand or Samoa and we have had certainty about our squad from the outset. It's a big thing of ours to establish international credibility for both the game and for Samoa."