Australia vs Tonga Test sold out

Saturday night's historic Test between the Kangaroos and Mate Ma'a Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland has officially sold out.

The match is the first Test between the two nations with anticipation sky-high after Tonga's impressive World Cup semi-finals finish last year and a new-look Australia's narrow loss to the Kiwis last Saturday.

Tonga's rise coincided with a number of high-profile defections from tier one nation players like Kiwis Jason Taumalolo, Siosiua Taukeiaho and Manu Ma'u plus Kangaroo Andrew Fifita, who will be facing off against Australia for the first time.

"The level of interest in this game has been staggering so it will be great to see the house full sign up outside Mt Smart Stadium this Saturday,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said in a statement.

"Many people worked very hard to make this game a reality and the result will be no doubt a real highlight for the international game and for the game overall."

The match is expected to be a virtual home game for Tonga as passionate expatriate fans flood in to support the Mate Ma'a.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) partnered the NRL in promoting the match.

"The staunch support of the Tongan community in Auckland has been incredible and we will no doubt see that highlighted again on Saturday at Mt Smart Stadium," ATEED General Manager Destination Steve Armitage stated.

SOURCE: NRL/PACNEWS