Tyson Frizell and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are among the high-profile additions to Tonga’s 2026 Rugby League World Cup squad, joining a formidable group of established stars and emerging talent ahead of the Kingdom’s opening clash with England in Perth on October 17.
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala officially announced the squad in Tonga on Tuesday, thanking the players for their sacrifice and their decision to represent the Kingdom on rugby league’s biggest international stage.
Coach Kristian Woolf’s squad is headed by veteran forwards Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake, alongside Haumole Olakau’atu, Moeaki Fotuaika, Stefano Utoikamanu and Taniela Paseka.
But the squad also contains several significant additions, including Newcastle Knights veteran Tyson Frizell, who will represent Tonga at his third World Cup after previously playing for Wales and Australia.
Frizell’s decision has a strong family connection, with the 34-year-old reportedly choosing to honour his late Tongan grandfather by wearing the Mate Ma’a Tonga jersey.
Warriors star Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is also set to make his Tonga debut after previously representing New Zealand, adding further international experience to Woolf’s outside backs.
Sydney Roosters young gun Robert Toia has also committed to Tonga after attracting interest as a potential Australian representative, while fellow Roosters Siua Wong and Salesi Foketi have been selected.
The squad features one of international rugby league’s most exciting young halves in Isaiya Katoa, while Latu Fainu and Tu’imoala Lolohea provide further playmaking options.
Junior Amone has also been selected after returning to rugby league with Wynnum-Manly, although Australian reports say he is awaiting NRL clearance.
Tonga’s forward pack is again expected to be one of its greatest weapons, with Fonua-Blake and Taumalolo surrounded by a formidable group including Olakau’atu, Fotuaika, Utoikamanu, Paseka, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and emerging Warriors star Leka Halasima.
The tournament could carry particular significance for Taumalolo, with World Cup organisers previously describing the 2026 campaign as potentially his last World Cup.
Tonga faces an immediate test against England at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday, October 17.
The fixture also carries unfinished business for Mate Ma’a Tonga, with Fonua-Blake saying before the squad announcement that England had “had our number” in recent encounters and Tonga was seeking redemption.
After England, Tonga travels to Sydney to face Lebanon on October 23 before a highly anticipated Pacific showdown against Samoa at CommBank Stadium on November 1.
The 2026 World Cup brings together the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments across Australia and Papua New Guinea, with 26 teams playing 53 matches over 31 days.
Tonga squad: Paul ‘Alamoti, Junior Amone, Latu Fainu, Addin Fonua-Blake, Moeaki Fotuaika, Jojo Fifita, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Salesi Foketi, Tyson Frizell, Leka Halasima, Lehi Hopoate, Sione Katoa, Isaiya Katoa, Tolutau Koula, Tu’imoala Lolohea, Soni Luke, Haumole Olakau’atu, Taniela Paseka, Jason Taumalolo, Robert Toia, Stefano Utoikamanu, Demitric Vaimaunga, Siua Wong and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
