Tongan preliminary squad

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 Parramatta Eels five-eighth Feleti Mateo will spearhead a host of NRL stars in the 36-man Tongan team announced today for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

Lopini and Mickey Paea (Roosters), Antonio Kaufusi (Storm) plus Willie Tonga and John Kite (Bulldogs) join Mateo in a star-studded squad that also includes young gun Eddie Paea (Rabbitohs).

The squad, which will be reduced to 24 on October 8, also features leading English Super League players Louis and Vinnie Anderson (Warrington), Willie Manu (Hull FC) and Tame Tupou (Bradford).

Tonga, who missed the quarter-finals in the last World Cup in 2000, have been drawn in Pool 3 with Samoa and Ireland for the 2008 tournament.

They will open their 2008 campaign against Ireland at Parramatta Stadium on October 27 before tackling Samoa at Penrith’s CUA Stadium on October 31.

Tongan coach Jim Dymock says this year’s World Cup will feature the strongest Tongan line-up ever assembled.

“There is so many more Polynesians in the game now with a lot more experience than when the last World Cup was played eight years ago,” Dymock said.

“No disrespect to Ireland, but the Samoa clash is the main game for us.

“We have a very good rivalry and, for both, winning this match is almost like winning the World Cup.

“Ireland will have a strong side too, though, and we won’t be taking them for granted. You can’t afford to do that with any team in the World Cup.”

Tonga will play New Zealand in Auckland on October 18 in preparation for the tournament, which begins on October 25 with England and Papua New Guinea clashing in Townsville and ends with the already sold-out Final at Suncorp Stadium on November 22.

2008 TONGA Rugby League World Cup Preliminary Squad