Test hype inspiring Tonga's Taumalolo

Jason Taumalolo says he's still coming to grips with the impact his commitment to Tonga has had on the country ahead of Saturday's sold-out Test against the Kangaroos. Tonga became the feel good story of rugby league when they progressed to last year's World Cup semi-final.They have carried that momentum into 2018 by arranging a maiden encounter with the world champions at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium. Taumalolo was the face of that Cup charge and, in a nod to just how preciously he is regarded in the Pacific Island nation, has since had the national competition named after him.

Fans flocked to watch the Tongan training session on Wednesday and the team is bracing for unparalleled scenes this weekend. "Last year's World Cup showed that (support) and when the game was announced everyone was painting their cars red and getting themselves ready," Taumalolo said of the hype around the side. "I'm not used to it ... we didn't think it'd have this much affect on our people. "There's a lot of feel good stories ... a big list, but for us it's not so much about a fairytale it's about how happy we are to come back and play for Tonga." Taumalolo will join Andrew Fifita in a devastating pack that also boasts Sio Siua Taukaeiaho, Addin Fonua-Blake and Tevita Pangai that could unsettle an Australia side who lost to New Zealand 26-24 last weekend. But the North Queensland enforcer isn't about to poke a side that hasn't endured back-to-back defeats since 2015 or lost to team other than New Zealand, England or Great Britain since 1978.

Kangaroos wary of Tonga after Kiwis loss

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga concedes Tonga will be fancying their chances of knocking over Australia after the world champions' shock loss to New Zealand. The Kangaroos' new era began with a 26-24 defeat to the Kiwis at Mt Smart Stadium, an outcome which indicated there are set to be some growing pains after farewelling some of Australia's all-time greats. The Roos were toppled for the first time in 14 games and the Mate Ma'a will come into next Saturday's clash at the same venue spurred on by a sold-out 25,000-strong sea of red and white.

"We know what's coming. We know how committed they're going to be," Meninga said. "We'll be ready for it physically and mentally ... I think they think we're beatable." While Tonga are stacked with some of the best players in the world in Jason Taumalolo, Andrew Fifita and Tevita Pangai Jnr, a loss to a non-tier one nation would immediately place Meninga and his squad under immense pressure. Meninga said we would resist the urge to make changes and bring in Reagan Campbell-Gillard or Tyrone Peachey after his side was beaten by the Kiwis for the first time Kiwis since 2015.. The 26-24 scoreline flattered the Australians after they ran in two late tries - scores that could not counter a glut of rudimentary errors.