Mate Ma'a Tonga have tweaked their backline for Saturday's Rugby League World Cup showdown against Polynesian rivals Toa Samoa.
Solomone Kata comes in for Konrad Hurrell in the centres, alongside three-try hero Michael Jennings, while David Fusitu'a replaces former Warriors teammate Manu Vatuvei on the wing.
Solomone Kata will start against Toa Samoa. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Samoa have been forced into a change for the Pool B showdown in Hamilton, with Ricky Leutele named on the wing in place of Peter Mata'utia, who's returned to Australia with a quad injury.
The other change is up front with Herman Ese'ese promoted to start in the front row and Sam Lisone dropping to the bench.
Ricky Leutele (L) will start in place of the injured Peter Mata'utia (2L) while Sam Lisone (2R) drops to the bench. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Kurt Baptiste gets the nod at hooker, in place of Wartovo Puara, in an otherwise unchanged Papua New Guinea line-up to face Ireland in Port Moresby on Sunday.
Kumuls hooker Kurt Baptiste. Photo: NRL Photos
Meanwhile Fiji coach Mick Potter has made an enforced change for their clash against Wales in Townsville on Sunday, with Eloni Vunakece starting up front in place of Kane Evans, who broke his arm against the USA.
"A double break of an arm is probably (laughing) takes a bloke out of a tournament so that's long-term and Korbin (Sims) has been ruled out," he said.
"We were hoping he was going to cleared in Brisbane (from an arm-break suffered during the NRL) when we came back from Fiji, because it was around the eight and a half week mark, but his arm hadn't healed enough.
"He needed to drink a bit more milk than what he did to make it back unfortunately so he's been ruled out as well, so we've lost two big powerful guys that are going to be tough to replace."
Eloni Vunakece will start for Fiji against Wales. Photo: NRL Photos
Mick Potter said they have not brought a replacement player into the Bati squad yet but have someone in mind and are going through the process of applying through the right channels.
Tonga squad:
William Hopoate, Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Solomone Kata, David Fusitu'a, Tuimoala Lolohea, Mafoa'aeata Hingano, Andrew Fifita, Siliva Havili, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Manu Ma'u, Sika Manu (c), Jason Taumalolo, Sione Katoa, Sam Moa, Peni Terepo, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Ukuma Ta'ai, Manu Vatuvei, Konrad Hurrell, Samisoni Langi.
Samoa squad:
Young Tonumaipea, Ricky Leutele, Timoteo Lafai, Joseph Leilua, Ken Maumalo, Joseph Paulo, Ben Roberts, Junior Paulo, Jazz Tevaga, Herman Ese'ese, 11 Joshua Papalii, Frank Pritchard (c), Leeson Ah Mau, Fa'amanu Brown, Zane Musgrove, Sam Lisone, Bunty Afoa, Sam Tagataese, Frank Winterstein, Jarome Luai, Matthew Wright
PNG squad:
David Mead (c), Justin Olam, Kato Ottio, Nene Macdonald, Garry Lo, Ase Boas, Watson Boas, Stanton Albert, Kurt Baptiste, Luke Page, Rhyse Martin, Willie Minoga, Paul Aiton, James Segeyaro, Wellington Albert, Stargroth Amean, Enock Maki, Moses Meninga, Lachlan Lam, Nixon Putt, Wartovo Puara.
Fiji squad:
Kevin Naiqama (c), Suliasi Vunivalu, Taane Milne, Akuila Uate, Marcelo Montoya, Jarryd Hayne, Henry Raiwalui, Ashton Sims, Apisai Koroisau, Eloni Vunakece, Viliame Kikau, Brayden Wiliame, Tui Kamikamica, Joe Lovodua, Jacob Saifiti, Junior Roqica, Ben Nakubuwai, James Storer, Pio Seci, Salesi Faingaa, Sitiveni Moceidreke
