Andrew Fifita leads the Tongan Sipi Tau ahead of the test against Australia in Auckland last year. Photo: Photosport
Tonga are anxioulsy waiting to see whether star prop Andrew Fifita will be available for Saturday's rugby league test against the Kiwis in Auckland.
Fifita has been named to start in the front row, pending an NRL judiciary hearing tonight.
Fifita has been charged with a dangerous tackle in the wake of Cronulla's match against Canberra at the weekend and could be suspended for three games unless his legal team can argue successful for a downgraded charge.
It will be the first encounter between the sides since Tonga upset the Kiwis in the 2017 World Cup.
That tournament and international rugby league was sparked to life by the decisions of Fifita and Jason Taumalolo to turn their backs on Australia and New Zealand to pursue careers with the Pacific nation.
Taumalolo is relishing the chance to run out in Tongan colours again.
"The Tongan crowd really lift us and make us play harder," he said.
"When we hear the Tongan supporters cheering or singing hymns it gives the players an extra burst of energy."
-AAP
