Veteran Awen Guttenbeil has predicted there'll be "a bit of collision" when Tonga take on New Zealand in a pre-World Cup test in Auckland on Saturday.

While the match is a build-up to the main event beginning in Australia the following weekend, Guttenbeil said the Tongans wouldn't lack for intensity.

"I don't think the boys know any other way," he said.

"We do have our eye on the World Cup, but it's always an honour to meet one of rugby league's power house nations.

"The boys will be playing like this is a World Cup fixture."

Tongan coach Jim Dymock has named a side with plenty of first-grade experience, with all of the starting 13 having played in the National Rugby League.

Three are former Kiwis in lock Guttenbeil, hooker Tevita Leo-Latu and second rower Epalahame Lauaki.

A fourth forward, prop Antonio Kaufusi, has represented Australia and played State of Origin for Queensland.

"If you go on involvement in the NRL, you would have to say that is one of the more experienced sides that Tonga have put together," Guttenbeil said.

"Having said that, we've been in camp for only four days and it always takes time to develop and gel."

A former Warrior like Leo-Latu and winger Cooper Vuna, Guttenbeil represented Tonga at the 1995 World Cup, when he lined up against New Zealand.

He went on to play 10 Tests for the Kiwis between 2002 and 2006, but ruled out any mixed loyalties at Mt Smart Stadium.

"I'm wearing the Tongan colours and I'm really proud to be playing as a Tongan," he said.

"I've played with a lot of the guys in the Kiwi side and that adds something extra. There's going to be no holds barred."

Guttenbeil was philosophical over player unavailability after the Tongan World Cup squad was named.

Former Kiwis Fuifui Moimoi and Taniela Tauaki were ruled out because they had played for another country, New Zealand, in the past two years.

Another ex-Kiwi, Louis Anderson, and brother Fraser are sidelined with injury.

"They would have strengthened us, but we still have a healthy squad," Guttenbeil said.

"We just have to get on with things. We can't look at what-ifs, could-haves, should-haves. We have our squad together now and we're preparing for the World Cup."

Guttenbeil, 32, had 10 seasons with the Warriors before spending the past two years with Castleford in the English Super League.

He has retired from club football and said the World Cup would be his rugby league swansong.

"I'd love to play on, but the body says otherwise and you have to be smart," he said.

"I like to think I've chosen a good time to go out, still playing well and being competitive."

He was still looking at his options for the future, but hoped to remain involved in the game in some way.

Tonga are grouped with Ireland and Samoa in one of the two second-tier pools in the World Cup.

They begin their campaign with a match against Ireland at Parramatta Stadium in Sydney on October 27.

The winners of the two second-tier pools play off for a place in the tournament's semi-finals.

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