Tonga will be without leaders Haumole Olakau’atu and Taniela Paseka for the 2025 Pacific Championships.
Olakau’atu will miss the rest of the year after re-dislocating his right shoulder in Round 21, prompting surgical intervention and ruling him out through to full contact in January.
Paseka has also been ruled out, following a ruptured Achilles earlier this season and a six-month rehabilitation program.
Their absences come as Samoa’s campaign is hit by injuries to key players. Stephen Crichton confirmed he won’t play after sustaining an ankle injury during the Bulldogs’ finals pre-campaign.
Meanwhile, Dolphins flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is expected to be out for about eight weeks with a grade-three MCL tear.
Olakau’atu and Paseka were consistent fixtures in Tonga’s 2024 Pacific campaign, Olakau’atu even scored a try in the final against Australia.
With both stars unavailable, Tonga’s forward pack will need to find depth elsewhere as they prepare to face strong opposition in the October–November tournament.
