Sport: MMT and Kiwi Squads announced

The Kiwis and Mate Ma'a Tonga have announced their rosters for their highly anticipated clash at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland on 25 June. It marks the first game for both teams since 2019.

There are high fan expectations for both teams with the Kiwis under pressure to win on home soil, while Mate Ma'a Tonga seeks to avenge a 34 - 14 loss to the Kiwis in 2019, the last time the two teams met.

MMT's star-studded team includes the likes of Jason Taumalolo, Andrew Fifita, Daniel Tupou, Joe Ofahengaue, and Kotoni Staggs. Super League-based staff and players are not participating in the game including regular coach Kristian Woolf along with players Konrad Hurrell, William Hopoate, and Tuimoala Lolohea. Coaching duties have fallen on Dean Young who is the assistant coach for the North Queensland Cowboys. Young is being assisted by former England coach Wayne Bennett.

New Zealand Rugby League has also announced its wider team led by head coach Michael Maguire, with eight newcomers including rising NRL stars such as Cronulla Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo and Parramatta Eels five-eight Dylan Brown. In a move that has shocked many fans, Kiwi's veteran playmaker Shaun Johnson has been left out of the squad.

The double header on 25 June also sees a highly anticipated matchup between the New Zealand and Tonga women's rugby league teams. Both squads are expected to be named this week.

New Zealand wider teamlist:

Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Jesse Bromwich

Kenneath Bromwich

Dylan Brown

Erin Clark

James Fisher-Harris

Kieran Foran

Peta Hiku

Jahrome Hughes

Moses Leota

Isaac Liu

Joseph Manu

Te Maire Martin

Ken Maumalo

Ronaldo Mulitalo

Griffin Neame

Briton Nikora

Marata Niukore

Isaiah Papali'i

Jordan Rapana

Jordan Riki

Brandon Smith

Scott Sorensen

Joseph Tapine

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Tonga wider teamlist:

Tolotau Koula

Daniel Tupou

Siosifa Talakai

Mosese Suli

Sione Katoa

Kotoni Staggs

Talatau Amone

Siosiua Taukieaho

Siliva Havili

Addin Fonua-Blake

Sitili Tupouniua

Keaon Koloamatangi

Jason Taumalolo

Soni Luke

Haumole Olakau'atu

Tevita Pangai jnr

Tevita Tatola

Moeaki Fotuaika

Will Penisini

Isaiya Katoa

Andrew Fifita

Joe Ofahengaue

Starford To'a

Christian Tuipulotu

Eliesa Katoa