Live updates for the league: Tonga v Kangaroos

Follow live as Tonga take on Australia in a historic clash at Mt Smart Stadium.

All you need to know before the historic clash between Tonga and Australia at Mt Smart Stadium.

Ma Mate in Tonga – Kangaroos, Saturday, October 20th at 19:45

The world No. 1 Kangaroo is facing the prospect of consecutive defeats after a 24-26 Kiwis defeat at Mt Smart Stadium, a score that flattered the Australians. Kangaroos have not lost twice a year since 1978.

Meanwhile, tonight's match will be the first meeting between Tonga and Kangaroos, Kristian Woolf's team wishing to become the fifth nation to overthrow Australia.

With the commitment of star strikers Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo, Tonga have a real chance to beat the Kangaroos, who are in a transition period after the retirement of Aussie League legends Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk.

But Australia remains the favorite and will be determined to restore its historic domination on the rugby league.

It's a sale!

The very first test match between the Kangaroos and Mate Ma in Tonga will run in a sold-out stadium, the Mt Smart Stadium, with a capacity of about 25,600 seats.

"The interest in this game has been staggering, so it will be a pleasure to see the house go head-to-head in front of Smart Smart Stadium this Saturday," said Todd Greenberg, NRL's CEO.

"Many people have worked very hard to make this game a reality and the result will undoubtedly be a real highlight for the international game and for the game in general."

Last week's trials between Kiwis and Kangaroos at the same venue attracted less than 13,000 fans.

The road to Smart Mt Stadium – ICYMI

Jason Taumalolo on the Tongan League revolution, he helped create

A year later, Jason Taumalolo is still surprised by the league revolution that he has helped to create.

Felise Kaufisi, born in New Zealand, with a Tongan heart drawn towards green and gold

Kaufisi, born in Kiwi, has Tongan origins. His two parents were born in the Pacific kingdom. He represented Ma Mate in Tonga on three occasions.

But Kaufisi will wear green and gold at Mt Smart stadium.

Miracle Kingdom: Tonga's trip to the top of rugby league

A small island kingdom in the Pacific has become a pivot for the future of the international league, writes Michael Burgess.

They will be back – the confrontation between Tonga and Kiwis is confirmed for next June

Lovers of the New Zealand League, get ready for the titans clash.

The teams

Tonga:

1. Will Hopoate, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Kata Solomone, 5. David Fusitu, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea, 7. Ata Hingano, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Siliva Havili, 10 Sio Siua Taukaiaho, 11 years old. Tevita Pangai Jr, 12 years old. Sika Manu, 13 years old. Jason Taumalolo

Exchange: 14. Sione Katoa, 15. Fonua-Blake Addin, 16. Joe Ofahengaue, 17. Peni Terepo

Reservations: 18. Konrad Hurrell, 19. Leivaha Pulu, 20. Robert Jennings, 21 Ben Murdoch-Masila

kangaroos:

1. James Tedesco, 2. Dane Gagai, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Tom Trbojevic, 5. Valentine Holmes, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (vc), 8. David Klemmer, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Boyd Cordner (c), 12. Felise Kaufusi, 13. Josh McGuire

Exchange: 14. Ben Hunt, 15. Jake Trbojevic, 16. Tyson Frizell, 17. Aaron Woods, 18. Tyrone Peachey, 19. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

odds

Australia remains the big favorite of the TAB despite their defeat last week and pays $ 1.30. A victory in Tonga will bring you $ 3.30.

How to watch

The Herald will blog live the test while Radio Sport will also have live commentary. Live coverage of Sky TV starts at 7 pm on Sky Sports 2.