Nasi Manu

Smith, who played alongside Manu at the Highlanders until the former co-captain left in 2016 to play in Europe, says Manu's journey from diagnosis in October last year to a recovery and naming in the 'Ikale Tahi squad shows his strength of heart and mind.

"It just shows the character of the man," Smith said.

"He's a great guy on and off the field, great leader and great friend.

'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.

The 31-year-old loose forward missed Benetton Treviso’s entire 2018-19 Pro14 season after being diagnosed with testicular cancer at the end of last year.

He has since made a miraculous recovery after undergoing chemotherapy treatment for the illness, and is poised to make his first appearance for the ‘Ikale Tahi since facing Fiji in Lautoka last June.

The former Highlanders captain has just completed his first season at Italian side Treviso after two years with Edinburgh.

The 29-year-old is one of six new caps in the team to contest the Pacific Nations Cup in Fiji.

Nasi Manu said he is excited to get the chance to represent his family.

"My parents were born in Tonga and they obviously moved [to New Zealand] for better opportunities for us [kids]," he said.