After Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita decided to represent Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup, Tongan stalwart Will Hopoate was interviewed and said how there were no expectations on Tonga. That's always a good thing and this is usually the case for Pacific Island teams, although the down-playing of expectations usually comes from Australian or kiwi folk despite the obvious talent available to Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.

Tonga with one of their strongest squads ever. Strong contenders for the Rugby League World Cup? pic.twitter.com/LD2yiNUJIG
— Rugby League Latest (@RLLatest) October 5, 2017

Hopoate might want to down-play expectations but now there's some fairly hefty expectations for Tonga as they've assembled a lethal forward pack, slick outside backs group and as I've alluded to a few times; Tonga have a steady halves combo who know each other extremely well. Not only a halves combo, Tonga have a spine that while it is super young, is the best spine I can remember and with a few key experienced heads around them, will be tasked with directing that forward pack.

If you want a fast, mobile, dynamic forward pack then you can look no further than what Tonga have to offer. Taumalolo and Fifita are joined by Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Tevita Pangai Junior, Peni Terepo, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Joe Ofahengaue who are are fairly similar in terms of their size/mobility skillsets. If you were to build a forward pack with players who best resembled Taumalolo and Fifita, these blokes - all young tokos - are the crew you would want.

The return of Ukuma Ta'ai is funky and it's been a while since I've seen him in action. Ta'ai offers a more grizzly, rugged presence along with Sam Moa and Sika Manu. Manu and Manu Ma'u are likely to start as the edge forwards and this group will form a leadership crew in the forwards, driving the culture and style of play that coach Kristian Woolf wants.

Siliva Havilli and Sione Katoa will share dummy half duties, while Tuimoala Lolohea and Ata Hingano will be the starting halves combo. Samisoni Langi offers depth in the halves, but not only have Havilli, Katoa, Lolohea and Hingano played together a fair bit for Tonga recently, folks outside of Aotearoa may under-estimate how much footy Lolohea and Hingano have played together at the Warriors.

This will be a huge opportunity for Lolohea and Hingano to flex, as they are the weak point in Tonga's line up. They could prove to be the achilles heel in this team as they may struggle to control their team, dictate the flow of the game and generally lead Tonga through 80 minutes of footy. They might do exactly that behind a forward pack that will roll forward and Warriors fans will be wise to tune into Hingano's work throughout the World Cup as he's likely to partner Shaun Johnson next season. Forget all the forwards; Hingano is the most interesting player in this Tongan squad as he's shown potential without really getting a consistent opportunity.

There are leaders in the forward pack and Will Hopoate is the leader of the backline who will control Tonga's defence and mop up everything. Tonga will need to be able to restrict opponents to less than two tries if they want to make the semi-final, or even the final and Hopoate's class and communication is crucial to that.

Hopoate will be the fullback and David Fusitu'a will hold down a wing spot, with Mahe Fonua, Manu Vatuvei and Daniel Tupou competing for the other wing spot. A Fusitu'a/Tupou wing comb will give Tonga an aerial threat on either edge, although Fonua and Vatuvei both have impressive cases to earn starting spots.

What a year it has been... never ever thought I'll leave the @nzwarriors and play somewhere else but believe that things in life happen for a reason... just got to keep moving forward... thanks to the @nzwarriors for everything they have done and to the @salfordreddevilsrl for welcoming me into the family... #OUA

5,465 Likes, 36 Comments - Manu Vatuvei (@manuvatuvei) on Instagram: "What a year it has been... never ever thought I'll leave the @nzwarriors and play somewhere else..."

How do you pick two centres from Konrad Hurrell, Michael Jennings and Solomone Kata? Unfortunately for Kata, I'd go with Hurrell and Jennings, opening the possibility for Kata to perhaps sneak on to the bench if he demands selection in the 17. A lot may depend on Hurrell's fitness as he missed the back-end of the season and I'm intrigued by what Woolfe does here as he could get funky.

My best Tongan 17 would be...

FB: Hopoate.
Wings: Fusitu'a, Vatuvei.
Centres: Hurrell, Jennings.
Halves: Lolohea, Hingano.
Middles: Fifita, Taumalolo, Moa, Katoa.
Edges: Ma'u, Manu.
Bench: Havilli, Taukeiaho, Ofahengaue, Ta'ai/Murdoch-Masila.

Peace and love 27.

Hit an ad if you enjoyed the yarn. You'll be donating without having to even do anything and showing your support to the Niche Cache's content.

Or head over to Patreon and become a Niche Cache Patron. The real homies are Patrons and you get a few extras, chur.