Keaon Koloamatangi's brilliant move for wife as Tonga cop blow in Pacific Championships
The Rabbitohs and Tonga forward has made a huge call ahead of the showdown with New Zealand.
In-form Tonga forward Keaon Koloamatangi has opted to step back from the clash this weekend against New Zealand with his wife expecting the birth of their child. Tonga and New Zealand are in a play-off this weekend with the winner to play the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championship final.
Tonga bring in a strong squad to this year's championship and pushed Australia all the way in their first game, despite the 18-0 loss, with hopes they can qualify for the final. However, they will have to defeat the reigning champions in the playoff without star back-rower Koloamatangi with the 26-year-old opting to skip the game to be with his wife.
Sydney Roosters back-rower Siua Wong will replace Koloamatangi in the side, which is the only change. Koloamatangi is the only change for Tonga, but is a big loss with the South Sydney forward coming very close to scoring against the Kangaroos from the bench.
Koloamatangi has been in sensational form in 2024 and will be hoping Tonga defeat a New Zealand side, dealing with a host of absentees, so hey can play in the Pacific Cup final against the undefeated Kangaroos at CommBank Stadium on November 10.
Tonga and New Zealand have not played each other since 2022. The losing side will also have another game and will meet the winner of the Pacific Bowl. Papua New Guinea appear the team most likely to win the Pacific Bowl and will face off n the promotion/relegation final.
Regardless of Koloamatangi's absence, Tonga boast arguably the most destructive forward pack in the championships. Addin Fonua-Blake, Felise Kaufusi, Haumole Olakau'atu, Eliesa Katoa and Jason Taumalolo will all line-up against New Zealand.
New Zealand coach avoids changes for Tonga clash
New Zealand coach Stacey Jones was relatively pleased with his team's first hit-out against the Kangaroos on the weekend and has stuck with Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at five-eighth. Zac Lomax scored two tries in Australia's 22-10 win over New Zealand with Dylan Edwards also producing his best game in the green and gold.
However, Jones was pleased his team - having not had a game prior - managed to keep the game close. "There's a foundation there that we can work from," Coach Jones said of his side's loss.
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"Obviously disappointed in the result but really proud too. Proud of the guys that made their debuts, proud of the effort that was put in. We'll be much better for the run. We had guys who hadn't played for seven weeks."
New Zealand are missing the likes of Jahrome Hughes and Dylan Brown for this year's Pacific Championships due to injury. Shaun Johnson opted to come out of NRL retirement to feature for his country and will line-up again against Tonga.
