Mate Ma'a Tonga say they are ready to take on world champions Australia in today's historic sold out rugby league test in Auckland.
The match was only confirmed last month but all 30,000 tickets were snapped up three days out from kickoff, the first rugby league Test match between the two nations.
Mate Ma'a Tonga Head Coach Kristian Woolf. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf said the team is focused on the match and excited by the challenge in front of them.
"We know we're playing the best team in the world and they've been the best for a long time and they're the best for a reason."
"We've thrown all our resources into this game to make sure we're as well prepared as we can be and I think you've seen today that the blokes are in a good mood, they're ready to go."
Mal Meninga is the one five NRL immortals inducted this year Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga was a key figure in ensuring this match went ahead and he said it was an absolute "no brainer".
"Really excited by it - we're not daunted by it at all. Obviously the Tongans have been a great advertisement for the international game and it's been totally dominated all week media-wise by them, which is fantastic - playing it over here, big crowd."
"That's what we want to do - we want to put a green and gold jersey on and play in big crowds and play really well so that's really important. It's great and I think it will be a great night for international rugby league."
"We know how committed they are going to be, so we will be ready for it, physically and mentally," said Mal Meninga.
Jason Taumalolo among the fans. Photo: RNZ / Laura Tupou
The Kangaroos won't be push overs despite losing to the Kiwis," said lock Jason Taumalolo.
Tonga take on Australia at sold out Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland tonight, the first rugby league Test match between the two nations.
But Taumalolo said the new generation of Kangaroos are still the world's number one team.
"There's a reason why they are in that Australian group, so they are all game breakers, and they are all special in their own ways and we will definitley have our hands full."
Australia kick off against Tonga at 7.45 tonight New Zealand time.
Fans are excited about tonight's epic game in Auckland.
The pre-game march is well and truly on...7 hrs till kick off in Otahuhu. #MateMaaTonga pic.twitter.com/mOfxCq0c5n
— Koro Vaka'uta (@The_KorOcle) October 19, 2018
#MATEMAATONGA old boys show their support for the @tongaNRL boys ahead of their clash against the @Kangaroos tonight! #LIVE #MMT pic.twitter.com/EfjWPulG5F
— Tagata Pasifika (@tagpas) October 19, 2018
Ma'a Mate Tonga fans back home throw their support behind the boys
Malie Ha'apai!! pic.twitter.com/S3TDcDKqXM
— MMT (@st_s4) October 19, 2018
Throughout the capital, Nuku'alofa, red and white decorations and Tongan flags are fluttering in the breeze, on buildings, market stalls, homes, and vehicles.
Mate Ma'a Tonga fans, Nuku'alofa. Photo: Matangi Tonga
Fans from Queen Salote College show their support for Mate Ma'a Tonga, Nuku'alofa. Photo: Matangi Tonga
St George Government Building, Nuku'alofa CBD Photo: Matangi Tonga
Decorated market on Vuna Road, Nuku'alofa. Photo: Matangi Tonga
