Jason Taumalolo is in a mood ahead of his fourth and likely last World Cup for Tonga as England await in a round one blockbuster in Perth.
"What I have seen in him this year is a real hunger," coach Kristian Woolf said of his talismanic captain.
Last year Tonga were poor in the Pacific Championships in heavy losses to Samoa and New Zealand.
Taumalolo played just 10 games for North Queensland in 2025 after an injury ravaged year, had minor post-season surgery and then was a late withdrawal from the Samoa clash before playing against the Kiwis in the Pacific titles.
This season the 33-year-old powerhouse was back to his best in 24 matches to lead the Cowboys to the finals.
Tamaulalo, who played 10 Tests for New Zealand between 2014 and 2017, created a Pacific revolution with former Tonga teammate Andrew Fifita.
Fifita switched allegiance from Australia and Taumalolo from the Kiwis to the Mate Ma'a on the cusp of the 2017 World Cup.
Taumalolo has now played 20 internationals for Tonga and is ready to lead them beyond their best finish of a semi-final berth in 2017 when they lost a heartbreaker 20-18 to England.
"Last year Jason was very underdone,” Woolf said.
"He’d come off a minor surgery and really raced the clock just to try and get back on the field, but that is no indication of where he is at now.
"This year he has come into camp fit and with a real fresh look about him and a hunger in the eyes that suggests he is ready to play a really good tournament."
Saturday night's clash at HBF Park will pit Tonga centre Robert Toia against England's Herbie Farnworth.
Toia got the better of his opponent when the Sydney Roosters beat the Dolphins 36-20 in the NRL preliminary final.
Woolf is in the unfamiliar position of having to plot against Farnworth, whom he coaches at the Dolphins.
"It’s a great battle. Herbie is obviously an outstanding player that I love working with at clubland," Woolf said.
"It is interesting trying to find ways to work against your own players and from some of the banter coming from Herbie it is something he is enjoying and looking forward to.
"It is something to look forward to from both parties."
Woolf has named two five-eighths in his squad against England, with Wests Tigers playmaker Latu Fainu listed to start and experienced Huddersfield No.6 Tui Lolohea at No.18.
"We have still got a little bit to go with training but I like the way Latu came into camp and the way he finished his year," Woolf said.
"He showed his class but I also like what Tui brings. He has played more Tests than anyone for Tonga and has done a great job for us in big games. They are both going to play their part at various times."
