Samoa v Tonga preview

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Pacific rivals resume hostilities at Parramatta.

While most of the attention surrounding the representative weekend will be centred upon Australia and New Zealand; Pacific rivals Tonga and Samoa will face off once again on Saturday night. With both sides coming away with a win apiece in the past two meetings, the chance to secure bragging rights will be key for both sides. 

Having secured a berth in the 2017 World Cup after defeating the Cook Islands last October, Tonga will be looking to bounce back from last year's narrow loss in the corresponding fixture. Being able to call upon English based forward Sika Manu to captain the side; coach Kristian Woolf will be looking to NRL veterans Tony Williams and Feleti Mateo to offset the inexperience of outside backs compared to the Samoans. With a number of players going onto debut in first grade after starring for Tonga in recent seasons, expect North Sydney lower grader Samisoni Langi to press his claims for an NRL return with a strong game at halfback on Saturday.

Stacked with experience and size, the Samoans will head into the clash filled with confidence after matching the likes of England and New Zealand at the most recent Four Nations tournament. Former Kiwi international Frank Pritchard will captain the side after being allowed to return to Australia by Hull FC especially for the match. Coach Matt Parish has been able to call upon a number of experienced NRL players, mixed with emerging talents in the hope the combination brings about a similar result to last year's win on the Gold Coast. In a major boost to the side that prevailed 18-16 in 2015, genuine halves Pita Godinet and Fa'amanu Brown have been included in a move that should provide the side with creativity and direction, after the side was forced to use the likes of Tim Simona and Josh McGuire as playmakers in the past.

Last meeting: Pacific Test 2015 - Samoa 18 Tonga 16

Who to watch: As the most experienced player in the Tongan lineup, Manly forward Feleti Mateo will be called upon to create opportunities from the halves on Saturday night. Having made his name as a ball-playing utility, expect the veteran to relish the opportunity to use the ball with freedom, after being used exclusively as a defensive forward in recent seasons. Languishing in NSW Cup for much of 2016 to date, look for a big performance from Mateo as he looks to lead Tonga to victory and press for a first grade recall in the process.

Sustaining a number of injuries over the past two seasons, Saturday night marks a huge opportunity for Fa'amanu Brown to reintroduce himself to the Rugby League world. Debuting for Cronulla during their horror 2014 season, the 21-year-old playmaker hasn't been sighted in the NRL since, but with the chance to direct play for Samoa, a strong performance should serve as a reminder to club coach Shane Flanagan of his talents. Capable of covering a number of positions, Brown shapes as a game breaker with his speed and agility likely to offset the forward barrage synonymous with the Pacific clash.

The favourite: While both sides have fielded competitive squads, the form of Samoa in recent years sees them favoured to come away with the win.

My tip: Boasting a side packed with size and experience, the Samoans should prove too classy in a match full of passion and intensity. Samoa by 8.

1. Tim Simona 2. Antonio Winterstein 3. Kirisome Auva'a 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Matthew Wright 6. Fa'amanu Brown 7. Pita Godinet 8. Sam Kasiano 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Junior Paulo 11. Leeson Ah Mau 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Sauaso Sue
Interchange: 14. Erin Clark 15. John Asiata 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Sam Tagataese 18. Mason Lino

1. David Fusitua 2. Mosese Pangai 3. Solomone Kata 4. Vai Toutai 5. Michael Oldfield 6. Feleti Mateo 7. Samisoni Langi 8. Peni Terepo 9. Sione Katoa 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Sika Manu 12. Tony Williams 13. Jo Ofanhengaue
Interchange: 14. Nafe Seluini 15. David Fifita 16. Patrick Kaufusi 17. Siosaia Vave 18. Mickey Paea

Referees: Ben Cummins; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Brett Suttor; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Ashley Klein