'Probably want to knock me around': Hufanga expecting to be Tonga's No.1 target

Kiwi Ferns centre Mele Hufanga expects plenty of Tongan players will be eager to get at her come kick-off on Saturday at Eden Park, but is welcoming the challenge up against her former international side.

Having been a member of the Tongan that played Niue back in 2020, Hufanga admits she has mixed feelings about lining up opposite the team for the first time this week.

And the 29-year-old Broncos player is expecting to receive plenty of attention in defence too after turning down the offer to play for Tonga at the Pacific Championships, in favour of representing the Kiwi Ferns again following her maiden campaign with them at last year's World Cup.

"I know these Tongan girls are probably going to come out wanting to knock me around!" Hufanga told pan66.com.

"I am pretty nervous but at the same time excited as well. 

"It’s going to be a good game, anything could happen.

I will probably sing both of anthems before the game. I have got Tongan in my blood and I play for NZ, so if it comes to Saturday and I sing both then that’s just what it is.

Mele Hufanga

After watching Hufanga break through 17 tackles and score a spectacular individual try against the Jillaroos last week, Tongan coach Kelvin Wright has made the bold decision not to put incumbent NSW centre Tiana Penitani on her in defence.

The Sharks gun is instead set to be deployed in the unfamiliar role of halfback where she will form a playmaking combination with Eels centre/wing Cassey Tohi Hiku.

"We're just going to have to limit Mele's time and hopefully we don't let her get too much momentum," Wright said.

"We have got some good defenders out wide and it will be a good test for our young players.