Taumalolo Leads Star-Studded Tonga Side as Fainu Gets Nod for England World Cup Opener

Tonga have laid their cards on the table for Saturday's World Cup opener against England in Perth, and it is a frightening hand. Captain Jason Taumalolo will lead a side stacked with NRL firepower at HBF Park, with the match kicking off at 8:05pm AEDT.

The big calls came in the spine. Lehi Hopoate gets the nod at fullback, edging out Tolutau Koula, who shifts to the centres alongside Robert Toia. Tigers young gun Latu Fainu has been chosen to partner Isaiya Katoa in the halves, winning what was the main selection debate in the Tongan camp.

The pack picks itself. Addin Fonua-Blake and Taumalolo form the starting front row, with Haumole Olakau'atu, Siua Wong and Tyson Frizell completing a back five that can match anyone in the tournament. Perhaps the most intriguing selection is Soni Luke starting at hooker — the Penrith dummy-half has typically been a bench player in the NRL, and how he handles an 80-minute role against England's stacked forward pack could decide the game.

The strength of the squad is underlined by who misses out. Dolphins breakout star Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Penrith wrecking ball Paul Alamoti cannot crack the 17, while Stefano Utoikamanu is on a bench that also includes Salesi Foketi, Demitric Vaimauga and Leka Halasima.

England, who named AJ Brimson at fullback and omitted Mikey Lewis entirely earlier this week, will need to be at their very best. This Tonga side is not coming to make up the numbers.