Roos not focused on Fifita but he's an inspiration to Tonga captain

Auckland: It's easy to forget Andrew Fifita pulled out of the Kangaroos' World Cup team in the corresponding week last year.

And Australia coach Mal Meninga was not overly keen to rap the high-profile defector on the eve of the explosive Tongan showdown.

Force: Andrew Fifita went to Tonga with Australia's blessing, says Mal Meninga.

Force: Andrew Fifita went to Tonga with Australia’s blessing, says Mal Meninga.Credit:AAP

"Andrew has made a choice around what's passionate to him and close to his heart," Meninga said. "We don't criticise that, we believe that's what he should do and it's the right thing to do.

"We lost last week, so this week is about our preparation and what we need to do well ourselves.

"We all know how great a player Andrew is and how important Jason Taumalolo is to them and the rest of the group. But there hasn't been a huge focus on them at all. It's about what we need to do well to come up with a really good performance."

Skipper Boyd Cordner, who also packed down with Fifita in the green and gold – and for NSW last year – said: "He's proven he's a [big-game player] all through his career, he's had some big games in Origin and in the grand final when he won with Cronulla. He's an emotional guy, this is an emotional game for these guys, he's one of their leaders and will be looking for a big game."

Fifita stunned the rugby league world when he snubbed the Aussies for the then-Pacific minnows. He clearly remains happy with the decision given the way he goofed around after Friday's captain's run in Auckland.

Because of Tonga's sheer size, long-serving skipper Sika Manu hoped the best way to topple the Aussies was through the middle.

He was such a fan of Fifita and Taumalolo, Manu often watched YouTube clips of the pair to help motivate him before Super League games with Hull FC.

"I was telling one of the boys I watch a bit of YouTube on them, just to get a bit of motivation," said Manu, not long after he and his teammates had rehearsed the traditional pre-match Sipi Tau at Mt Smart Stadium.

Inspiration: Tonga skipper Sika Manu says he watches YouTube clips of Fifita and teammate Jason Taumalolo.

Inspiration: Tonga skipper Sika Manu says he watches YouTube clips of Fifita and teammate Jason Taumalolo.Credit:NRL Photos

"I like to watch Jason and Andrew running the ball and doing some damage in the NRL. They're two of the most dominant attackers in the NRL. It's crazy to see them doing what they're doing for our country."

"Our forwards are a lot bigger than theirs, but Australia are an awesome team and they have a lot of strike on their edges. They also have experience.

Fifita, Taumalolo, Manu, premiership Rooster Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Broncos wrecking ball Tevita Pangai Junior all feature in the starting pack, while Manly's Addin Fonua-Blake comes off the bench and could even be joined by Ben Murdoch-Masila, an explosive interchange prop during the World Cup.

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