Kiwi test

Kiwis league Tests called off

New Zealand Rugby League had plans for Kiwis games against Australia and Tonga but NZRL chief executive Greg Peters said aside from the travel challenges associated with Covid-19, there was concerns about player welfare following an extended NRL season.

After attempts to stage games in New Zealand and Australia faced roadblocks the matches have been called off.

Kotoni Staggs to make Mate Ma’a Tonga debut, set to represent his father he has never met

 

One of Brisbane Broncos' most promising young star centres, Kotoni Staggs, is set to make his debut for Mate Ma'a Tonga this weekend, representing his father who he has never met.

The 20-year-old has defied statistics growing up in a drug epidemic town, Wellington, in western Sydney, and has become one of the brightest young talents in the NRL.

"I love my culture and that's why I'm here," Staggs said, adding that he wants to "learn a bit more about my dad's side".

He has never met his Tongan father, who resides in the US.

Tonga's Andrew Fifita to miss Kiwis test

The Cronulla front-rower was unsuccessful in his bid to have his grade two dangerous contact charge downgraded, ruling him out of Saturday's Oceania Cup Test as well as the Sharks' next two matches against the Bulldogs and Broncos.

The NRL judiciary panel deemed there was sufficient evidence of foul play against Fifita in his tackle attempt on Canberra's Ryan Sutton in the eighth minute of Thursday night's defeat by the Raiders.

Andrew Fifita hints at another Tongan defection ahead of Kiwis test

Cronulla prop Fifita suggested his cousin was considering committing to the Mate Ma'a for next month's test against New Zealand in what would be a massive blow for Queensland's depth.

David Fifita was thought to be a leading contender to grab a Queensland bench spot for Origin I in a fortnight.

But Andrew Fifita said he was one of a host of young players with dual eligibility who wanted to commit to the fast-emerging Pacific nation.

"I feel like change is coming, especially for the international game," Andrew Fifita said.