NRL: Mal Meninga has named six State of Origin stars to make their Australian Kangaroos debuts as they take on Tonga for the first time since 2019.
A war of words has erupted between Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga and Tonga star Jason Taumalolo ahead of their Pacific Championships clash on Friday night.
Australia haven’t played since their biggest defeat in history, a 30-0 shellacking by New Zealand last November, and they also lost their last Test against Tonga. That was back in 2019 when the Tongans pulled off a 16-12 upset in Auckland, but this Friday at Suncorp Stadium will be the first time the nations play on Australian soil.The Kangaroos have historically dominated international rugby league, but Taumalolo suggested the Aussies no longer carry an aurora.“They’ve got a great team but so do we.“Competition at international level, not just from Australia and Tonga, but also the other nations has definitely improved over the last few years.
Fox League Australia And New Zealand Jason Taumalolo Veteran Coach SHOP WINDOW V Tonga Oceania Australian Soil New Zealand International Rugby League Tom Dearden Mal Meninga Mitchell Barnett Hudson Young Australian Kangaroos Pay Day Expert Analysis
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