Emerging Tongans queuing up for Kiwis Test

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Even if Tevita Pangai jnr chases his Origin dream and skips Tonga's mid-year Test, the Pacific powerhouse looks set to roll out the red-and-white carpet to some of the game's most impressive young stars, including Manly hooker Manase Fainu.

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf said the likes of Broncos pair Kotoni Staggs and David Fifita, as well as   hard-running Titans forward Moeaki Fotuaika would all be considered for debuts against New Zealand next month.

Fainu would have potentially made his first Tongan cameo against Australia at the end of last year had he not been suspended, said Woolf, while Souths prop Junior Tatola looked set to add to his one Test appearance.

There are some exciting times ahead . . . these younger guys want to commit to Tonga.

Kristian Woolf

"There are some exciting times ahead, and while have strong leaders like Jase [Taumalolo] and Andrew Fifita, Will Hopoate and Siua [Tauekiaho] at the forefront, these younger guys want to commit to Tonga,'' Woolf said.

As for Pangai playing against the Kiwis, Woolf said: "That's up to him to make his decision public. He'll have to make his stand very soon if he wants to be available for Origin.

"We've made it clear to Tevita if he wants to play Origin through the year, it won't be held against him at the end of the year. He's committed to Tonga long term.''

Tonga play New Zealand on June 22, the same weekend as Origin II, before Tests against Australia and the Great Britain Lions at the end of the year.

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