Don't think this thread already exists on the Fern? Anyway, the reason for starting it is this:
1 month later
With rep round this weekend
New Zealand v Mate Ma'a Tonga
Saturday, June 25, 3.20pm AEST at Mount Smart Stadium
Official teams will be named on Wednesday
New Zealand squad: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm), Jesse Bromwich (Storm - captain), Kenneath Bromwich (Storm), Dylan Brown (Eels), Erin Clark (Titans), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Peta Hiku (Cowboys), Jahrome Hughes (Storm), Moses Leota (Panthers), Isaac Liu (Titans), Joseph Manu (Roosters), Te Maire Martin (Broncos), Ken Maumalo (Wests Tigers), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks), Griffin Neame (Cowboys), Briton Nikora (Sharks), Marata Niukore (Eels), Isaiah Papali’i (Eels), Jordan Rapana (Raiders), Jordan Riki (Broncos), Brandon Smith (Storm), Scott Sorensen (Panthers), Joseph Tapine (Raiders), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors).
Mate Ma'a Tonga squad: Tolutau Koula (Sea Eagles), Daniel Tupou (Roosters) Siosifa Talakai (Sharks), Mosese Suli (Dragons), Sione Katoa (Sharks), Kotoni Staggs (Broncos), Talatau Amone (Dragons), Siosiua Taukeiaho (Roosters), Siliva Havili (Rabbitohs), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Sitili Tupouniua (Roosters), Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs), Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys), Soni Luke (Panthers), Haumole Olakau’atu (Sea Eagles), Tevita Pangai jnr (Bulldogs), Tevita Tatola (Rabbitohs), Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans), Will Penisini (Eels), Isaiya Katoa (Panthers), Andrew Fifita (Sharks), Joe Ofahengaue (Wests Tigers), Starford To’a (Wests Tigers), Christian Tuipulotu (Sea Eagles), Eliesa Katoa (Warriors).
Teams named tomorrow, I think we have a better spine than they have, but jeez that is going to be a strong Tongan side again
@bayimports agree on the spine, but the props, back row and outside backs look strong for Tonga
Solid team with majority of the 17 being in good form. The spine is pretty decent with Manu at FB.
Only change I would've made is Sorensen on the bench for Nikora. Sorensen has been very good off the bench for Penrith and he covers the edge and middle.
putting Manu at fullback is the best use of our best player, so i like that
It's a solid lineup to be honest. And i can see us winning this if a couple of guys bring club form.
Very strong line up although we are playing a backrower in our centres, just goes to show we don't have depth everywhere. If I was Mate Ma'a Tonga thats where I would attack.
Manu will complete 200m and 30 plus hit ups at fullback which for the roosters often doesnt work for them in converting into team wins, but for this team I think it might. Taking Manu out of centre is the correct thing to do with this squad in my mind as well.
I agree with @Dice about Nikora on the bench, but I would have actually preferred to see Nikora start. He runs excellent lines as a edge runner and if running of Brown would be an excellent threat. If only to be on the bench I would prefer Sorensen. If I had my selection of Nikora starting then Kenny would have been on the bench.
Pretty strong team though, looks like the strongest for a couple of years at least
Other teams named so far as well, it will be good to see the young Kayal Iro play, apparently this kid can play (a bit like his Dad and uncle)
Samoa vs Cook Islands, 5.40pm at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Samoa team: 1. Charlie Staines 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Jaxson Paulo 5. David Nofoaluma 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Anthony Milford 8. Martin Taupau 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Francis Molo 11. Josh Schuster 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Josh Aloiai 14. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Bunty Afoa 18. Mathew Feagai 19. Ronald Volkman 20. Toafofoa Sipley
Cook Islands team: 1. Kayal Iro 2. Steven Marsters 3. Anthony Gelling 4. Reubenn Rennie 5. Malachi Morgan 6. Esan Marsters 7. TBC 8. Vincent Rennie 9. Aaron Teroi 10. Xavier Willison 12. Pride Petterson-Robati 13. Tinirau Arona 14. Brody Tamarua 15. Moses Noovoa-McGreal 16. Makahesi Makatoa 17. Davvy Moale 18. Reuben Porter 19. Geoff Daniela 20. Andre Iro 21. Lucky Pokipoki
Papua New Guinea vs Fiji, 7.50pm at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
PNG team: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Robert Derby 3. David Mead 4. Justin Olam 5. Terry Wapi 6. Kyle Laybutt 7. Lachlan Lam 8. Epel Kapinias 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Sylvester Namo 11. Dan Russell 12. Nixon Putt 13. Jacob Alick 14. Liam Horne 15. Emmanuel Waine 16. McKenzie Yei 17. Dilbert Issac 18. Junior Rop 19. Sherwin Tanabi 20. Solo Wane
Fiji team: 1. Sunia Turuva 2. Mikaele Ravalawa 3. Semi Valemei 4. Waqa Blake 5. Maika Sivo 6. Kevin Naiqama 7. Nautu’a Masima 8. Joseph Ratuvakacerivalu 9. Penioni Tagituimua 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Taniela Sadrugu 13. Taane Milne 14. Isaac Lumelume 15. Pio Seci 16. Lamar Manuel-Liolevave 17. Kaylen Miller 18. Ralulu Nasoki 19. Waqasaqa Qiolevu 20. Mesake Kurukitoga
@bayimports said in International league matches:
Very strong line up although we are playing a backrower in our centres, just goes to show we don't have depth everywhere. If I was Mate Ma'a Tonga thats where I would attack.
I’m pretty sure Niukore has played in the centres for the Eels. He’s a decent unit and I’m hoping he will provide a bit of defensive toughness to that edge.
Was always going to watch it, but I’m actually looking forward to it now.
@ACT-Crusader said in International league matches:
@bayimports said in International league matches:
Very strong line up although we are playing a backrower in our centres, just goes to show we don't have depth everywhere. If I was Mate Ma'a Tonga thats where I would attack.
I’m pretty sure Niukore has played in the centres for the Eels. He’s a decent unit and I’m hoping he will provide a bit of defensive toughness to that edge.
Was always going to watch it, but I’m actually looking forward to it now.
He has played there a few times, but it doesn't mean that's his preferred position 
I know he can play there, but I would still target him as he gets caught out sometimes being a bigger guy when in that position
Also what’s the point of naming the players that didn’t make the 17, and then numbering them?
It’s not as if say Jahrome Hughes goes down in training that the 18th player Jordan Riki gets the call up or does it?
@ACT-Crusader said in International league matches:
Also what’s the point of naming the players that didn’t make the 17, and then numbering them?
It’s not as if say Jahrome Hughes goes down in training that the 18th player Jordan Riki gets the call up or does it?
It also appears Liu was the only to miss out on a number from the original squad.
@ACT-Crusader given Te Maire Martin is in extended squad I would suggest given his history he gets the call up.
Normally in the NRL they have a set of 4 reserves 18-21 on the team list when named on Tuesday. Two names get cut closer to game day (often players in extended reserves named can come into 17, usually depends on injuries, but allows coaches extra time to have a final named 17. The final two names get cut usually on game day, just in case something goes wrong. It appears to be something similar in play for international league
@Nepia said in International league matches:
It also appears Liu was the only to miss out on a number from the original squad.
He withdrew from the squad as partner is expecting their 2nd child.
@bayimports that makes sense. And the reserves are good with an outside back, second rower and a 5/8
@kiwiinmelb said in International league matches:
Jerome
Jahrome. 
Also, I'm going to be 5 minutes behind by the end of the game, as per usual the Kayo app is as crap as ever and keeps skipping and repeating,
That was too easy. This was Tonga's first chance in the 20 and they score.
Niukore caught out.
Tonga don't have much of a kicking game so the Kiwis are starting every set in decent field position.
Jinx alert… but how good are we playing!
Bodies in motion with quality halves steering the ship. Our big units are causing all sorts. The finishing has been top drawer too. Defensively we have put several in the tackle to slow it down. We’ve targeted their kickers on the last, although Tonga’s halves are too busy trying to hit the top of Mt Smart instead of going for distance.
Hopefully those big units have another solid 40 in them
As I expected, the overhyped Tongan pack were outplayed by the Kiwi pack and the end result was an easy win to the Kiwis (they really should have scored more though).
Taumalolo did his best run in the 70th minute of the game.
Manu is a machine.
Good win. Superior spine with all 4 playing well.
Best for the Kiwis,
Fisher-Harris, Manu, Hughes, Smith, Brown, Rapana
better spine won the game that's its, any injury to that spine and it won't flow the same, back up choices are well below par. Bloody awesome in full flight though
@bayimports said in International league matches:
better spine won the game that's its, any injury to that spine and it won't flow the same, back up choices are well below par. Bloody awesome in full flight though
I think you're underrating our pack. They easily contained the Tongan pack who could get no go forward, while getting decent go forward themselves.
We still need a fullback though so we can move Manu back to the centres though.
@bayimports Fisher-Harris was a big difference as well. Not sure on the stats, but his run metres must’ve been up there.
Our forwards were good, but you put that spine on the other team and the score would probably be the same but the other way around in my mind. Dylbags and Hughes pinned then down for repeat sets repeatedly, that kills any team.
Don’t get me wrong that was the most complete performance from a NZ side for a long time and today would have challenged the Aussie’s but I just don’t buy into the rest.
Good kiwi team this one alright , good pack , good spine .
Let’s face it , to win the league wc , all you need is a team capable of beating Australia, and we might have that .
Papali'i's performance is further proof of the shitty coaching at the Warriors.
I saw plenty of vehicles with Tonga flags driving to and around Auckland yesterday.
@Bovidae said in International league matches:
Papali'i's performance is further proof of the shitty coaching at the Warriors.
I saw plenty of vehicles with Tonga flags driving to and around Auckland yesterday.
Clearly the environment and standards are poor, just creates a culture where close enough is good enough