Tonga fullback Will Hopoate has said it’s exciting for rugby league that the Pacific Islanders have attracted forwards Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita for their World Cup squad.

Taumalolo and Fifita have turned their backs on New Zealand and Australia respectively and will join a Tonga squad which also boasts former Kiwi representatives Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei and Solomone Kata.

Hopoate, who has played five State of Origin games for NSW, said it’s great for the game those players have committed to the Mate Ma’a and will add an extra level of excitement to the tournament.