Katoa Ruled Out as Tonga Face Lebanon in World Cup Round Two

Tonga have been dealt a blow on the eve of their Friday clash with Lebanon, with star halfback Isaiya Katoa ruled out by an ankle injury and Latu Fainu recalled to the starting side; match officials for round two were also confirmed on Thursday.

Katoa Ruled Out as Tonga Face Lebanon in World Cup Round Two

Tonga's Rugby League World Cup campaign has hit an early snag after star halfback Isaiya Katoa was ruled out of Friday night's round-two meeting with Lebanon at CommBank Stadium. Katoa, who starred in last Saturday's historic 30-12 win over England in Perth, will miss the Sydney clash with an ankle injury, though Tonga expect him back for the round-three showdown with Samoa on November 1. His place in the starting side goes to Latu Fainu, who has overcome the pectoral injury suffered in the victory over England. The game kicks off at 8:05pm AEDT on Friday, with Super League-based referee Liam Moore in charge, supported by touch judges Ziggy Prezklasa-Adamski and Jarrod Cole, with Grant Atkins as the bunker official. Officials were also confirmed for the rest of the round-two slate: Australia's Adam Gee will referee England's must-win clash with France at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday, Chris Kendall takes Samoa against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby, Ashley Klein handles New Zealand versus the Cook Islands, and Gerard Sutton oversees Australia against Fiji at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.