Is there a better sight for a rugby league player than looking across at your teammates running the ball up and seeing Jason Taumalolo on the charge?

For Haumole Olakau’atu there’s definitely not.

“We all know what he’s done in the game. He’s one of the – it not the – best forwards to play the game,” Olakau’atu said.

“Seeing him beside me gives me a lot of confidence to go out there and play freely knowing I’ve got him right beside me.”

That was the case when Olakau’atu made his debut for Tonga in June 2022 against New Zealand in Auckland.

The powerful second rower was on the bench and rubbing his hands – not just in eagerness – to get out onto the field.

“There as definitely butterflies at that time but it was also freezing ... mid-season in New Zealand … so I was cold and nervous at the same time. It was a surreal feeling.”

His debut jersey is safely framed and hanging at his parents’ house in Sydney.

Tonga didn’t win that night going down 26-6 but his next adventure in the famous red jersey produced a win – 24-8 over PNG in the 2022 World Cup preliminary round.

That jersey is hanging in his uncle’s home.

Olakau’atu, 27, is only eight Tests into his international career. Taumalolo is six years his senior and has 30 Tests to his name.

Photo: Tonga's forward leaders Jason Taumalolo, Addin Fonua-Blake and Haumole Olakau'atu.

His first three were for Tonga, including two at the 2013 World Cup, but the next 10 were for New Zealand before he switched back to Tonga mid-year for the 2017 World Cup.

“Obviously he’s paved the way not just for us Tongans but for the international game,” Olakau’atu said.

“He’s such a big name and to see what he’s done in that moment just speaks volumes for who he is as a person and a player.

“He gave so much confidence to the new generation to go out and play for your nation, your family.”

Olakau’atu hadn’t even made his NRL debut for the Manly Sea Eagles (2019) when Taumalolo sent shockwaves around international football by leaving the Kiwi giants for the Tongan minnows.

Like so many Pasifika-heritage players, that moment turned on a light bulb in Olakau’atu’s head and is the reason Tonga is no longer the small fish in a big pond.

“That’s definitely what I thought. I can play for Tonga one day too.

“Seeing him backflip on New Zealand to go and play for Tonga says so much of who he is.

“As a kid growing up it definitely inspired me and influenced me to put on this jersey.”

Manly could provide up to four players for Tonga with outside backs Tolu Koula and Lehi Hopoate and prop Taniela Paseka.

Paseka said: "If I get that call and get to play for Tonga, it means a lot. I love playing for my country and the last time I represented, it brought tears to my eyes, because that's all you want to do as a young player".

Hopoate, whose brother Will captained Tonga at the last World Cup in 2022, has been a member of the squad since 2024 and is looking forward to the opening match against England in Perth.

"At the last World Cup, I was still in high school and I was cheering on the boys that are here at training, so it would mean so much to me if I'm able to play on the World Cup stage over in Perth with the boys," Hopoate said.

"I am sure it will be a cracking game against the Poms."

Photo: Lehi Hopoate in action for Tonga in the 2024 Pacific Cup final against Australia. @NRL Photos

Then there’s the other fleet-footed players eligible like Sione Katoa (Sharks), Daniel Tupou (Roosters), Isaiah Iongi (Eels), Paul Alamoti (Panthers) and Robert Toia (Roosters), alongside a skilful half like Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins).

Let’s not get started on the forwards but here’s a few fear-factors joining Taumalolo and Olakau’atu – Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Tevita Tatola, Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita (all Rabbitohs), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins), Stefano Utoikamanu (Storm), Leka Halasima (Warriors) and Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans).

“The sky is the limit. I would say we could go the whole way but we have to wait to see if we can do it,” Olakau’atu said.

“I am very confident in the Tonga team … we have a lot of X factor in the team, a lot of big names, so I’m very excited.”

The squad will again be coached by Dolphins NRL mentor, Kristian Woolf.

They reached the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, losing 20-18 in a gripping clash with Samoa.

Tonga begin their campaign against England on October 17 in Perth, then travel to Sydney to play Lebanon on October 23 and then Samoa on November 1 at CommBank Stadium.

Photo: Haumole Olaka'uatu is passionate about Tonga. @Seven Media

Game day brings a sea of red in the stands, plenty of tears when the national anthem is sung, and a few goosebumps when the war chant ‘Sipi Tau’ is unleashed.

Olakau’atu loves all that but what really hits home is the lead-up to a match on Instagram, Facebook and the like.

“For me it’s just seeing the fans and how passionate they are … seeing that on socials about how they are running around in cars with all the flags.

“It’s such a small nation but big hearts. So it’s seeing all that along with all the memories I make with the boys in camp.

“To be able to play good footy it starts with connecting off the field. That makes me very excited about this World Cup coming.”

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.