By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission
Former Mate Ma’a Tonga player Siosiua Taukeiaho has revealed he wants to have another shot with the Tongan national rugby league team.
Taukeiaho told NRL.com that he will be ready to join Tonga for the upcoming Pacific Championships against Samoa and New Zealand if needed.
Taukeiaho, who is playing a key role in Manly’s charge for a finals berth, was one of the pioneers who helped Tonga become an international force at the 2017 World Cup, along with Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita, NRL.com reported.
When Tonga defeated Australia 16-12 in 2019, it was Taukeiaho who led the Pacific nation in the Sipi Tau ahead of one of the biggest upsets in rugby league history.
But he last played for Tonga at the World Cup in 2022.
A Lisfranc injury that restricted him to just 10 appearances for Catalans, including the 2023 Super League grand final, also cost Taukeiaho a deal with the Bulldogs and he thought his NRL career was over.
With Manly offering him a lifeline, the tough enforcer is undergoing a career revival as the Sea Eagles push for a place in the finals following three consecutive wins.
The 33-year-old topped the run metres (193m) for the Sea Eagles in their 18-16 upset defeat of the Storm – Manly’s first win in Melbourne since 2019.
NRL.com reported despite missing the historic 2023 tour to England and last year’s Pacific Championships, in which Tonga were narrowly beaten 20-14 by the Kangaroos in the final, Taukeiaho said he remained available for international duty.
“I always love being a part of the Tonga team,” Taukeiaho told NRL.com.
“If Kristian Woolf gives me the call, I would never say no to putting on that red and white jersey again.
“At the moment, I’m just focused on Manly. It’s about trying to build the performance for my club and international selection will take care of itself but I would never say no to a call-up.”
Manly take on the second-place Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on Sunday and will be filled to the brim with confidence after their win against the Storm.
“Of course, they’re tough team,” Taukeiaho said. “All we’ve got to focus on is us. We’ll go back to the drawing board and see what we need to work on.”
Meanwhile, Tonga Rugby League is trying to secure a home game in Nuku’alofa during the Pacific Cup Championship.
