Stefano Utoikamanu‘s international allegiance has been confirmed after he was named in Tonga’s squad for the Pacific Championships.
Utoikamanu has previously represented Samoa, was born in Auckland and is eligible for Australia as well but has chosen Kristian Woolf’s side.
The Melbourne prop confirmed in late August he would make the switch to represent his father’s side of the family.
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“I played for Samoa a couple of times in 2023 and that is my mum’s side of the family. My dad is Tongan and I have a few close cousins, so I am pretty keen to represent that side of the family,” he told AAP.
Stefano Utoikamanu. NRL Imagery
“I don’t talk to my dad. I don’t have a relationship with him, but I have a lot of good family from my Tongan side that I was pretty close with growing up.
“My mum will be all right with it. She will be pretty happy with me representing the other side (of the family) too.”
Leka Halasima and Demetric Vaimauga will also debut for Tonga.
Samoa’s side includes Payne Haas after his switch. New Zealand have also named a strong squad with the retiring Kieran Foran selected due to Jahrome Hughes’ injury.
Xavier Willison will also make his debut for the Kiwis, which is a blow for the Cook Islands.
Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands are yet to name their teams.
Pacific Championships squads
Tonga
Paul Alamoti, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Addin Fonua-Blake (c), Moeaki Fotuaika, Leka Halasima, Siliva Havili, Lehi Hopoate, Eliesa Katoa, Isaiya Katoa, Sione Katoa, Felise Kaufusi, Tolu Koula, Isaiah Iongi, Soni Luke, Will Penisini, Jason Taumalolo (c), Robert Toia, Daniel Tupou, Stefano Utoikamanu, Demitric Vaimauga, Siua Wong.
Samoa
Ata Mariorta, Benaiah Ioelu, Blaize Talagi-Seuala, Brian To’o, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Deine Mariner, Francis Molo, Izack Tago, Jarome Luai, Jaydn Su’A, Jazz Tevaga, Jeremiah Nanai , Josh Papalii, Junior Paulo, Lyhkan King-Togia, Murray Taulagi, Payne Haas, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Simi Sasagi, Taylan May, Terrell May
New Zealand
Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Dylan Brow, Erin Clark, Phoenix Crossland, James Fisher-Harris (c), Kieran Foran, Jamayne Isaako, Keano Kini, Sebastian Kris, Moses Leota, Jeremy Marshall-King, Casey McLea, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Isaiah Papali’i, Scott Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Matthew Timoko, Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison
Papua New Guinea
TBC
Fiji
TBC
Cook Islands
TBC