Solomone Kata

The 27-year-old joins from Super Rugby franchise, Moana Pasifika, where he spent the 2022 season.

The back began his career in rugby league, playing for New Zealand Warriors and Melbourne Storm, before switching to union in 2020.

Kata spent two years playing with the Brumbies in Australia and has been capped by Tonga in both codes.

He made his Tonga debut in the autumn international tdefeat by England at Twickenham in November.

"I've watched a few games and I know it's really physical here in the UK," Kata said.

Kata told NRL.com on Tuesday he planned on following the lead of Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita, representing Tonga over his adopted homeland.

"Right now, I want to stay strong for Tonga," he said.

"It's a personal decision, I don't talk about it with the other Tongan boys here at the Warriors, but my family supports me either way and that's the decision I have made."

The powerhouse centre hasn't spoken at length with new Kiwis coach Michael Maguire yet, but regardless won't be changing his mind.

Kata, who played five tests for the Kiwis last year, has declared his allegiance to Tonga for the tournament.

That wouldn't have been possible under the old international eligibility rules - which allowed just one change per four-year cycle - but the revised rules make it possible.

Kata said it was a relatively simple decision.

"I want to play for Tonga - I just know that is what I want to do," Kata told the Herald on Sunday.

Luke will start at hooker with Roache out with a hamstring injury, while Albert Vete's broken arm means Sam Lisone gets a spot on the bench.

Solomone Kata returns at centre with David Fusitua moving to the wing and Nicoll-Klokstad dropping to the extended bench.

The Warriors will farewell club legend Manu Vatuvei in Friday night's clash with the Panthers ahead of Vatuvei's exit to the Super League to link up with Salford. Mount Smart Stadium will be temporarily renamed Manu Vatuvei Stadium for the night in honour of the departing winger.

The pair have been selected in the starting line-up by new head coach David Kidwell, in a 19-man team that includes seven changes from side that lost 16-0 to the Kangaroos in the Anzac Test in May.

Among those changes is the return of 17-test veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who last wore the Kiwis jersey at the 2013 World Cup.

Hooker Issac Luke - who is the most-capped player in the side - will play his 37th test for the Kiwis on Saturday after he missed the May Test due to poor form.