The Great Britain Rugby League Lions begin their first tour in 12 years on Saturday morning when they face a Tonga Invitational XIII in what should be a blood and thunder way to prepare for the upcoming Test matches in New Zealand.
Tonga themselves have a sizeable challenge against Australia next weekend so both teams will be using this as preparation for what is to come, but will be eager to beat the other at the same time so we should be in for a cracker.
Tonga
As ever in the pacific islands part of the world, there has been a lot of upheaval in the build up to this international slot. Their coach Kristian Woolf was sacked by the authorities in Tonga, which led to a player revolt and many threatening to pull out of these occasions. That led to government inclusion and now the squad is back together under the incumbent St Helens coach but they are having to play under a Tonga Invitational XIII banner.
You would think that sort of nonsense is only going to fire the players up further to perform, not that they need it as anyone who watched their displays in the World Cup two years ago would know. The Tongan people are passionate about their team and will give them vibrant support throughout, and the beef in the forwards combined with the class in their back line makes the Tongans a very dangerous outfit.
Great Britain
This is the first time a Great Britain side have been together since 2007 although it has to be said that given some of the players Wayne Bennett has included, it is a Great Britain and all-comers squad really, with a number of Australian born players who impressed in Super League this season making the grade. This is the opening match of four that Great Britain will play on this tour with two to come against New Zealand before finishing things off against Papua New Guinea.
If Great Britain are going to achieve what they set out to do on this tour then you would think their forward pack are going to play a big role. They do have some very good halves and backs but in this part of the world if you can’t fight fire with fire then you are generally fighting a losing course. Of course if the likes of Jackson Hastings can guide GB around the park is would certainly do them no harm.
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Team News
Despite all the hoo-hah, Tonga have got most of their main squad available including the Salford Red Devils half-back Tui Lolohea. Michael Jennings and Daniel Tupou standout as do Andrew Fifita, Ben Murdoch-Masila and the classy Jason Taumalolo in the forward pack.
It looks as though Wayne Bennett is going to give debuts to Lachlan Coote and Jackson Hastings just two weeks after they opposed each other in the Super League Grand Final. James Graham is set to win cap number 50 for Great Britain which is no mean achievement.
Betting
When Tonga met England in the World Cup semi-final a couple of years ago, England powered into a big lead before a late rally got Tonga closer on the scoreboard than the match actually was and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Great Britain run into a big early lead with all the turmoil that has taken place in the camp of the home side.
There is a lot of talent in this Great Britain side, to the point that Blake Austin isn’t involved on Saturday and Jonny Lomax might not be able to find a place in the squad either. The beauty of this GB squad is that the quality will keep on coming as even the bench will get into most sides. That all makes me think that Great Britain can cover two points in what will be a competitive match but one where the class of the tourists can shine through.
Tips
Back Great Britain (-2) to beat Tonga for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Betfair
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