Second row: Boyd Cordner and Felise Kaufusi v Sika Manu and Tevita Pangai jnr

Origin and premiership-winning captain Cordner pairs with Melbourne's Kaufusi for Australia and right now they are two of the most reliable second-rowers in the business. Kaufusi was one of the Roos' best last week with a huge 47 tackles to go with 86 running metres and a try. Cordner can be counted on to hammer away on the left edge all day every day.

For Tonga, veteran Manu brings experience, aggression and a strong sense of team and culture with him from Hull FC – though the former Storm forward's most effective playing days may now be in the rear-view mirror. Pangai had an injury-hampered finish to 2018 but if he is back to full fitness his devastating presence out wide can bring a real point of difference.

Verdict: Australia win a points decision but of the four, Tonga's Pangai is the one most likely to turn a game single-handedly.

Proud Kangaroo Kaufusi ready for Tongans

Kangaroos forward Felise Kaufusi understands the Tongan rugby league revolution better than most but insists the Australian jersey is the right one for him in Saturday's historic Test. Both Kaufusi's parents were born in Tonga along with his eldest three sisters, and the Melbourne second-rower played his first three Tests for the country before debuting for Australia at the end of last year. Born in New Zealand himself, the damaging edge runner moved from Auckland to Queensland when he was seven and now clearly identifies with being an Australian representative. 
But after playing for Tonga as recently as in last year's Pacific Test, he understands better than anyone in the Kangaroos camp just what Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo have been able to achieve since switching allegiances. "I respect them for that and hopefully it's a good thing going forward," Kaufusi told reporters in Auckland. "They are a real passionate bunch and really proud of where they're from. It's something special that they have in their camp. "I've played with most of them. I've played for Tonga before and am friends with them, but won't be friends on the weekend." Kaufusi's split ties stretch as far as his father joking he will wear half red, half green to Saturday's first meeting between the countries at a sold-out Mt Smart Stadium. Kaufusi's cousins, who still live in Auckland, met with him last week and weren't subtle in their jabs about the Tonga match either. But after only switching from the 15-man game to rugby league when he moved to Queensland at a young age, Kaufusi said it was an easy decision to pick the Kangaroos as his priority.