Taukeiaho puts hand up for Tonga after NRL revival

Veteran Sea Eagles prop Siosiua Taukeiaho has put his hand up for a Tongan recall in the upcoming Pacific Championships against Samoa and New Zealand.

Taukeiaho, who is playing a key role in Manly's charge for a finals berth, was one of the pioneers who helped Tonga become an international force at the 2017 World Cup, along with Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita.

When Tonga defeated Australia 16-12 in 2019, it was Taukeiaho who led the Pacific nation in the Sipi Tau ahead of one of the biggest upsets in rugby league history.

However, the former Roosters forward hasn't pulled on a Tongan jersey since the last World Cup in 2022 - his final season in the NRL before an injury disrupted stint at Catalans.

A Lisfranc injury that restricted him to just 10 appearances for Catalans, including the 2023 Super League grand final, also cost Taukeiaho a deal with the Bulldogs and he thought his NRL career was over.

However, Manly offered him a lifeline and Taukeiaho is now undergoing a career revival as the Sea Eagles push for a place in the finals following three consecutive wins. 

The 33-year-old topped the run metres (193m) for the Sea Eagles in their 18-16 upset defeat of the Storm - Manly's first win in Melbourne since 2019.

Despite missing the historic 2023 tour to England and last year's Pacific Championships, in which Tonga were narrowly beaten 20-14 by the Kangaroos in the final, Taukeiaho said he remained available for international duty.

Coincidentally, his last appearance for Tonga was in the epic 12-10 World Cup semi-final loss to Samoa and players, as well as fans, are anticipating the renewal of their State of Origin-like rivalry in the Pacific Championships. 

“I always love being a part of the Tonga team,” Taukeiaho told 42025.com.

“If Kristian Woolf gives me the call, I would never say no to putting on that red and white jersey again.

“At the moment, I’m just focused on Manly. It’s about trying to build the performance for my club and international selection will take care of itself but I would never say no to a call-up.”

Taukeiaho credited his starring performance against the Storm to mindset and experience.

The two-times premiership winner (2018-19) was part of a forward pack that bullied the Storm, forcing regular errors and grinding their more fancied opponents out of the game.

The win was made even more impressive given that they were a man down, with Jake Simpkin forced off late in the first half due to the NRL's concussion protocols.

Taukeiaho got through 54 minutes, with his run metres coming from 22 runs and 18 hit-ups, the most in the game.

“It's just a mindset thing,” he explained. “I've been around the game for a while now. It's all about trying to set the tone from the start, especially starting in front row.

“I’m trying my best to lift this team and carry this team to the finals.”

Things may have been very different for the Tongan forward leader had he signed for the Bulldogs, as intended. However, he failed a medical before the deal was finalised, and believed his NRL career was over.

Manly take on the second-place Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on Sunday and will be filled to the brim with confidence after their win against the Storm.

“Of course, they're tough team,” Taukeiaho said. “All we’ve got to focus on is us. We’ll go back to the drawing board and see what we need to work on.”