Eyeing redemption, Tonga have declared their Pasifika derby against Samoa bigger than a World Cup final as far more than title hopes go on the line in Sydney.
Hundreds of flag-waving fans crashed Tonga's open training session at Wentworth Park on Tuesday before Warriors prop Demitric Vaimauga set the scene for an epic encounter at Commbank Stadium on Sunday night.
"It's a game that's probably going to be the biggest of the World Cup for both us and Samoa," Vaimauga said on Tuesday.
"Bigger than a final? For me personally it is. It's a battle of the Pacific nations. I don't know where the rivalry started but it's quite apparent that there is a rivalry.
"So just looking forward to get out there. Both teams are going to start out with a bang and hopefully it carries on for the full 80."
The Tongans haven't forgotten the 34-6 thrashing Samoa dealt them at last year's Pacific Championships.
"It was my first campaign and although I was proud to make my debut for Tonga, it wasn't how I planned for our Pac Champs to go," Vaimauga said.
"But, yeah, we're looking to change that this year."
Both unbeaten from their first two encounters, Samoa and Tonga could both still advance to the World Cup semi-finals under the somewhat complicated format.
But Tongan enforcer Tyson Frizell, describing the blockbuster as a Pasifika-style State of Origin showdown, knows the importance of the match.
"For the fans and the people, obviously it's a game that you definitely want to win," Frizell said.
"We've all had a goal in coming in and playing as well as we can and to see ourselves get right there to the end, so this is the challenge in front of us and it's probably something that everyone's pencilled in and looking forward to playing in.
"With players choosing to play for Samoa and Tonga and moving away from the big nations and choosing to play for their little nations, it's a massive rivalry for the two countries.
"But it's all love at the end of the day and it's really exciting for our people and their people as well."
Sunday night's showdown comes amid speculation a Pacific team is set to lodge a bid to become the NRL’s 20th club and possibly play some home games out of Hawaii.
Vaimauga backed the idea, especially if NRL supremo Peter V'landys offered up PNG Chiefs-like tax-free incentives.
"That's the first I've heard of it, but playing in Hawaii sounds good to me," he said.
"Tax free? Sign me up."
