The powerhouse prop hopes the tiny Pacific nation can remind the rugby league world - and Sharks CEO Barry Russell - what a force Tonga has become.
The Tongan superstar is ready to lend his weight to North Queensland's bid to lure Kangaroos flyer Valentine Holmes home.
Nigel Wood says the tier-one and tier-two ratings system an''unnecessary demarkation''and''too colonial'',and wants to push more Tests for Tonga.
Jason Taumalolo recalls how Andrew Fifita planted the seed for his Tonga defection and how a Mad Monday chat with Johnathan Thurston helped seal the deal.
The NRL has moved quickly to ensure the league bad boy will play no official role with the Tonga side as it prepares for an historic Test against Australia.
The Canberra Raiders are in advanced negotiations to extend New Zealand international Joe Tapine on a long-term deal,believed to be an extra four years.
Playmaker Ata Hingano and hooker Siliva Hooker were the two Canberra Raiders named in Tonga's squad to play the Kangaroos.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf has praised the players'commitment to the Mate Ma'a cause after naming a strong 29-man squad for next month's historic Test.
Tonga hooker Siliva Havili believes they're on track to become a tier-one Test nation in the wake of confirmation they'll play world champions Australia.
Australia will play Tonga in an historic rugby league Test in Auckland next month.
Canterbury star Will Hopoate speaks for the first time about his controversial father's life ban from the game.