Australia set to play Tonga in Auckland Test in November

Sporting News

Australia set to play Tonga in Auckland Test in November image

Following on from the success of last year's historic Test, Australia are again set to face Tonga in a rugby league international.

First reported by the Daily Telegraph's Buzz Rothfield, the Kangaroos will meet Tonga in Auckland in November, the same location as their last and only meeting.

The Test is reportedly due to be part of a massive triple-header that will also feature a match between the Kiwis and Great Britain, and a Pacific clash between Fiji and Samoa.

MORE: Tom Trbojevic to be sidelined for six weeksEels 'dunces' for trying to sign Issac Luke

In a big move for rugby league in the region, the match is set to go head-to-head with the Rugby World Cup final, with the All Blacks a strong chance to feature.

The recent rise of Tonga has breathed new life into international rugby league, with NRL stars such as Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita committing to the nation.

Their run at the 2017 World Cup captured the imagination of the rugby league community, with Tonga falling just short of a meeting with Australia in the final.

A historic meeting between the two nations finally took place at Mt Smart Stadium last October, with the Kangaroos emerging 34-16 victors.

Tongan internationals not only see a rising powerhouse on the field, they also draw a hugely passionate and infectious fanbase.

Mate Ma

Mt Smart Stadium was a sea of red for that meeting with Australia, while the recent Pacific Tests against Samoa and Fiji have seen an outpouring of support from members of the local community.

A capacity crowd crammed into Campbelltown Stadium to see Mate Ma'a Tonga defeat Samoa 38-22 in June last year.

More matches against the likes of Australia are only going to strengthen the position of rugby league in Tonga and improve the quality of the international game.

Sporting News

Sporting News Photo

The sports world explained. The Sporting News goes beyond the score to deliver the news, data, insights and entertainment that sports fans around the globe need to know.