Parramatta utility Feleti Mateo is the headline act in Tonga's squad for the rugby league Test against New Zealand in Rotorua on Wednesday.

Mateo is set to line up 10 days after playing in the Eels side beaten 23-16 by Melbourne in the NRL grand final.

He also played against the Kiwis in last year's equivalent contest, a build-up match for both sides before the World Cup which the Kiwis went on to win.

Mateo is not the only player with NRL experience in a team coached by Rohan Smith, son of long-time NRL coach Brian Smith.

Smith's squad includes Manly winger Tony Williams, former Warriors back-rower and Kiwis international Epalahame Lauaki, Newcastle second rower Richard Fa'aoso, Cronulla's Melbourne-bound Atelea Vea, Viliami Mataka of Wests Tigers, Parramatta's Etuate Uaisele and 2009 rookie Warrior Ukuma Ta'ai.

Ta'ai will become a dual international after previously representing Tonga in Test rugby.

Two former NRL players now playing in England, Tevita Leo-Latu and Willie Manu, were also named.

Tonga squad: Paki Afu, Richard Fa'aoso, Sam Huihahau, Toshio Laiseni, Tevita Leo-Latu, Epalahame Lauaki, Siuatonga Likiliki Pita Maile, Willie Manu, Viliami Mataka, Feleti Mateo, Eddie Paea, Nafe Seluini, Ukuma Ta'ai, Joel Taufa'ao, Sione Tovo, Etuate Uaisele, Siosia Vave, Atelea Vea, Tony Williams.

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