Cancer survivor to lead Tonga against Samoa

Nasi Manu, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer last year, has been named as captain of the Tongan side to take on Samoa in this weekend's rugby test in Apia.

'Ikale Tahi coach Toutai Kefu has named a squad which is notable for a handful of newcomers, including former Hurricanes lock Sam Lousi, and the return of 30 year old Manu.

Manu played three tests for Tonga before missing the entire season for Italian club Bennetton Treviso to undergo chemotherapy and testicular cancer surgery.

The match on Saturday is the 'Ikale Tahi's first in their World Cup build up which will culminate with a test against New Zealand in September.

Coach Toutai Kefu said there had been a few injury concerns but he was feeling confident about the squad he had gathered together .

"We have put in a fair amount of work leading up to this and just tracking players and seeing where they are up to and seeing what players we've got available to us," Toutai Kefu said.

Lousi is one of four new caps in the Tongan squad, alongside Bayonne prop Toma Taufa, Tonga A first five James Faiva and Auckland midfielder Otumaka Mausia.

Toutai Kefu said the former New Zealand Warriors rugby league player, who also played for the Waratahs and will join Welsh club Scarlets next season, is a player he's been chasing for a long time.

"I'm very excited to get everyone together especially seeing a lot of the [other] teams who have had weeks more preparation than us. So, it is good to finally get together."

Tonga Squad for Samoa Test

1. Paea Fa'anunu 2. Elvis Taione 3. Ben Tameifuna 4. Leva Fifita 5. Sam Lousi (first cap) 6. Onehunga Havili 7. Maama Vaipulu 8. Nasi Manu (Captain) 9. Samisoni Fisilau 10. James Faiva (first cap) 11. Viliame Lolohea 12. Cooper Vuna 13. Malietoa Hingano (first cap) 14. Tevita Halaifonua 15. Nafi Tu'itavake

Reserves: 16. Sefo Sakalia 17. Toma Taufa(uncapped) 18. Ma'afu Fia 19. Zane Kapeli 20. Fotu Lokotui 21. Sione Vailanu 22. Leon fukofuka 23. 'Otumaka Mausia (uncapped)