Pacific Cup 2024: NZ favoured to beat Tonga after teams named

New Zealand are favourites to defeat Tonga in a must-win Pacific Cup clash in Auckland on Saturday, with both nations naming their teams on Tuesday.

Rugby league bookmakers have the Kiwis at -192.31 to win and advance to the final against Australia on November 10, while Tonga are +155 underdogs.

The home side holds a 6-1 advantage over Tonga in the head-to-head ledger, having won all four matches played in Auckland — including a 26-6 result in their most recent encounter in 2022 at Mt Smart Stadium.

Both sides are winless so far in the Pacific Cup, with Tonga losing 18-0 to Australia in the opening week of the tournament and New Zealand falling 22-10 to the Kangaroos last weekend.

The Kiwis have made just one change after the defeat in Christchurch, with Leo Thompson returning from suspension in place of Jordan Riki on the bench.

Tonga have also made a single change since their loss to the Kangaroos on October 18. Keaon Koloamatangi leaves the squad due to the birth of his child, with Siua Wong coming in.

NZ v Tonga Pacific Cup teams

New Zealand

1. Keano Kini
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Peta Hiku
5. William Warbrick
6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
7. Shaun Johnson
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Scott Sorensen
13. Naufahu Whyte
14. Kodi Nikorima
15. Griffin Neame
16. Marata Niukore
17. Leo Thompson
18. Erin Clark
19. Jordan Riki
20. Casey McLean
21. Trent Toelau

Tonga

1. Lehi Hopoate
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Mosese Suli
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Sione Katoa
6. Tuimoala Lolohea
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Siliva Havili
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Eliesa Katoa
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Soni Luke
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Taniela Paseka
17. Siua Wong
18. Tolutau Koula
19. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
20. Isaiah Iongi
21. Keaon Koloamatangi

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