Pacific Cup teams: Tonga name 1,004kg pack to face Australia

Australia and Tonga have named their teams for the 2024 Pacific Cup final on Sunday in Sydney, with the visitors announcing a 1,004kg forward pack to take on the Kangaroos.

Addin Fonua-Blake (123kg), Taniela Paseka (120kg) and Jason Taumalolo (115kg) will be leading the charge for Tonga as they seek to claim their first-ever Pacific Cup title.

Top rugby league bookmakers have the Pacific Island nation as heavy underdogs heading into Sunday’s final, with odds as long as $6.50.

However, Tonga were also at long odds to defeat the Kiwis last weekend, yet they came away with a 25-24 victory in a last-minute thriller.

• PACIFIC CUP 2024: TONGA DOWN NZ IN ONE-POINT THRILLER TO REACH FINAL

Kangaroos forward Reuben Cotter, who will come off the bench for Australia, believes that size will not matter and his team can outlast Tonga.

“Over the past couple of weeks, the games have gone right down to the 70th minute, and I think it’ll be the same this weekend,” he said.

“I definitely think fitness will be a massive advantage for us.

“We’re all pretty fit and healthy.

“Playing in the middle, you have to be physical and come out with that intent, otherwise you’ll get bullied.

“We’ll come out physical and just hold on from there.

“It doesn’t scare me that they’re bigger.”

Australia have made one change to their team from two weeks ago against New Zealand, with Cameron Murray forced out of the side due to injury.

Hudson Young moves into the starting lineup, while Lindsay Smith is set to make his international debut from the bench.

Pacific Cup final team lists

Australia

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Xavier Coates
3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
4. Tom Trbojevic
5. Zac Lomax
6. Tom Dearden
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Patrick Carrigan
9. Harry Grant
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Hudson Young
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Matt Burton
15. Mitch Barnett
16. Reuben Cotter
17. Lindsay Smith
18. Ben Hunt
19. Bradman Best
20. Reece Robson

Tonga

1. Lehi Hopoate
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Mosese Suli
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Sione Katoa
6. Tuimoala Lolohea
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Siliva Havili
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Eli Katoa
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Soni Luke
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Taniela Paseka
17. Siua Wong
18. Tolutau Koula
19. Keaon Koloamatangi
20. Isaiah Iongi
21. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

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