Viliami Mataka

[Sabre]

Mateo to lead Tonga against NZOctober 13, 2009 - 1:09PM
Parramatta star Feleti Mateo will captain Tonga in a Pacific Cup warm-up match against New Zealand on Wednesday in Rotorua.
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Tongan coach Rohan Smith is set to use the match to decide the final make up of the squad to travel to Port Moresby on October 19 for the Pacific Cup.
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The Kiwis are using the game as a warm-up for the Four Nations tournament in Europe where they will play Australia, France and England.
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Mateo is joined in the squad by several NRL players including Newcastle's Richard Fa'aoso, Cronulla's Melbourne-bound Atelea Vea, Viliami Mataka of Wests Tigers and another Eel in Etuate Uaisele.
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Team: Toshio Laiseni; Sam Huihahau, Pita Maile, Siuatonga Likiliki, Etuate Uaisele, Feleti Mateo ©, Eddie Paea, Epalahame Lauaki, Eliakim Uasi, Richard Fa'aoso, Ukuma Ta'ai, Viliami Matak, Atelea Vea. Interchange: Joel Taufa'ao, Sione Tovo, Siosaia Vave, Paki Afu, Nafe Seluini.

Did Will chnage his name, or is he just using his Tongan name for this game?

 

[TigerRock]

viliami= william

 

[Joel Helmes]

Anyone know more about him?

 

[joebob]

I googled Viliami and William, and yes they are the same. Some of you might remember that rugby player Willie O - well his name was also Viliami.

 

[Guest]

Anyone know more about him?

About 5"11, maybe 6 feet tall, 102kg. Decent young backrower who runs good lines and on the improve. Came off the bench 3 times this season in FG and will hopefully figure in FG again next season with a good off-season under his belt. Went ok for BRET in their grand final loss.

 

[Joel Helmes]

Thanks Willow

He seems to be the forgotten man when it comes to the Tigers in 2010, the experience will help him.

 

[Sabre]

i think viliami sounds better. He should go by that name.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

scored a try against benji's kiwis in this game.

 

[Guest]

scored a try against benji's kiwis in this game.

Do you know how the score ended up?

 

[Danos]

I heard 40-24\. Apparently Willie carved it up.

 

[Geo]

scored a try against benji's kiwis in this game.

Do you know how the score ended up?

\

**Kiwis battle past Tonga**
Skipper Marshall and debutant Goodwin both score twice for Kiwis
Last updated: 14th October 2009
New Zealand warmed up for the forthcoming Four Nations tournament in England with a hard-fought 40-24 win over Tonga.
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Captain Benji Marshall scored two of his side's eight tries in the one-off Test, though the Kiwis didn't have things all their own way in Rotura.
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Tonga crossed their opponents' line three times, Etuate Vaisele grabbing two of them, without reply during the second half to level the scores at 24-24.
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However New Zealand avoided being on the wrong end of an upset, debutant Bryson Goodwin helping himself to a brace to make sure of victory.
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The Canterbury Bulldog was one of four new faces in coach Stephen Kearney's starting 13, while there was also Super League representation on the bench with Wigan's Thomas Leuluai.
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**Seized control**
Having fallen behind to a try by Tongan captain Felete Mateo, the reigning world champions seized control of the contest to lead 24-8 at the break.
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Marshall grabbed their first points when he touched down after a fine break by half-back Issac Luke, who burst clear down the middle of the field.
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Although Sam Huihahau replied at the other end, further scores from debutant Junior Sau, Sam Perrett, Nathan Fein and Steve Mati opened up what should have been a comfortable cushion for the Kiwis.
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Instead they failed to build on a strong opening 40 minutes, Vaisele's double and an effort from Viliami Mataka levelling things up.
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Marshall put New Zealand back in front, though, with his second of the night just before the hour mark. Winger Goodwin then ended Tonga's resistance by getting two scores before full time.
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New Zealand are next in action on October 24 when they take on Australia at the Twickenham Stoop. England and France, the other two teams in the Four Nations, kick off the event the previous day in Doncaster.

 

[system]

Anyone who saw the form Mataka carried through the back end of season for BRET would not be suprised to hear he excelled

 

[Guest]

Anyone who saw the form Mataka carried through the back end of season for BRET would not be suprised to hear he excelled

Do you know if he is on a top 25 contract for next season mate?

 

[system]

I am not sure to be honest mate.

So much has been bandied about in regards to top 25 and top 30 and the list of names seems endless

 

[Balmain_Tiger]

mataka is a great player. he runs a good line and has great agility for a big fella. he has matt utai like thighs and is strong in defence.
good enough desc.?