Pacific rugby league teams from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa meet in Sydney today for the Pacific Test.
Players from the four teams in the Pacifc Test. Photo: NRL
In the first match of a double-header at Campbelltown, the PNG Kumuls take on the Fiji Bati for the Melanesian Cup.
Kumuls coach Michael Marum said his game plan was to stop Fiji moving the ball out wide.
"If we can, we want to win the ruck, make sure we dominate that area so they don't get to allow their outside backs to play with speed," Marum said.
The Kumuls will wear armbands during the match to honour their former teammate Kato Ottio.
Ottio died suddenly after a training in Port Moresby in January.
Kato Ottio represented PNG in Rugby League and Volleyball Photo: RNZ Pacific / Melvin Levongo
Bati coach Matt Adamson said he was expecting the Kumuls to be well organised.
"Some really talented guys are playing in that team, they've obviously got some guys playing NRL footy," Adamson said.
"They're a strong side, they're well coached and that Hunters experience week in, week out at Queenland Cup level makes them quite fit and on the ball," he said.
"It's going to be a tough Test. It's going to be a very physical game. We're expecting one and we'll be ready for it."
Fiji Bati players celebrate one of the 14 tries scored against Wales Photo: NRL / Scott Davis
After the Melanesian Cup is awarded, Mate Ma'a Tonga and Toa Samoa will battle for the Polynesian Cup
Former Tonga player Jorge Taufua said an uncle on the Samoan side of his family was moved by his decision to turn out for the Toa.
"He said he got very emotional when he saw my name in the team list," Taufua said.
"It won't be easy going against my Tongan brothers but I'm looking forward to a fierce game."
Former Tonga international Jorge Taufua will debut for Toa Samoa in the Pacific Test. Photo: Rugby League Samoa
With the likes of Taufua in Samoa's ranks, Tonga coach Kristian Woolf said he was wary of the Toa's star studded backline.
"I think it's going to be a very tough game," Woolf said.
"There's obviously a traditional rivalry there and it's one that they've probably had the better of for a very long time bar a couple of occasions," he said.
"The real danger is the class that Samoa posses through Anthony Milford, guys like Mason Lino and Tyrone May as well."
The number of players turning away from State of Origin, Australia and New Zealand to play for Pacific sides showed they deserved more Test matches, Woolf said.
Tonga are all smiles after beating New Zealand to finish atop Group B. Photo: NRL Photos
