Salesi Foketi has emerged as a surprise hooking sensation for Tonga ahead of their crucial 2026 international rugby league fixtures, transitioning seamlessly from the second row under the guidance of coach Kristian Woolf. Despite playing 45 NRL matches and 18 NSW Cup games primarily in the pack for the Sydney Roosters, the 20-year-old has stepped into the No.9 jersey left vacant by Siliva Havili with distinction.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Dual-Position Eligibility: Foketi’s shift to hooker introduces utility value for fantasy formats should the Roosters or Tonga factor him into hooking depth charts moving forward.
- Representative Stock Rise: Playing on the international stage alongside hookers like Harry Grant, Jeremy Marshall-King, and Api Koroisau elevates Foketi’s market valuation.
- Tonga Futures: With a semi-final berth on the line against Samoa at CommBank Stadium, Foketi’s defensive workload and service distribution out of dummy-half dictate the structural stability of the Tongan spine.
Unearthing an Auckland Junior’s Spine Roots
When Kristian Woolf entered the Tongan camp, he carried a crucial piece of tactical intelligence: Foketi had played all his junior football in Auckland as a five-eighth. That background under his father, Solomone Foketi, convinced the national coach to bypass traditional club selections and hand the young forward the dummy-half responsibilities.
Salesi Foketi starting at hooker? Woolf a wild dude man lol
Even premiership coach Trent Robinson admitted to Channel Seven commentary that he was unaware of the Manurewa Marlins junior’s proficiency at hooker. Speaking to NRL.com after Tonga’s victory over England, Foketi noted Robinson’s reaction. “I caught up with Robbo in Perth and he said that if he ever needs a No.9 from now on he’ll be throwing me in there,” Foketi said.
Passing the Test Against International Heavyweights
Foketi’s transition back to the spine required quick adjustments following his time in the Roosters’ forward pack. “I was a little rusty the first couple of days coming into camp,” Foketi told NRL.com.
Despite early rust, he orchestrated victories against England and Lebanon with composure. Veteran lock Tyson Frizell praised the rookie’s distribution. “Solesi has been impressive, having a great season in the back row for the Roosters, and if you didn’t know footy you’d never think he hadn’t played hooker before,” Frizell told NRL.com. “He’s got some quality service off the deck and it’s a hard position to get thrown into but he hasn’t skipped a beat.”
| Player | National Team | Primary NRL Position | Current Tournament Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salesi Foketi | Tonga | Second Row / Lock | Hooker (No.9) |
| Benaiah Ioelu | Samoa | Hooker | Hooker (No.9) |
| Isaiya Katoa | Tonga | Halfback | Halfback (No.7) |
The Master and Student Showdown at CommBank Stadium
As Tonga prepares to face arch-rivals Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Sunday night, a win guarantees Woolf’s side a semi-final spot. For Foketi, the fixture brings a direct individual battle against Roosters teammate Benaiah Ioelu, who wears the No.9 jersey for Samoa.
“It’s a bit like the master going up against his student as he’s taught me a bit throughout the year,” Foketi told NRL.com.
Foketi is also drawing knowledge from Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa, who returns to the side following an ankle sprain that kept him out of the victory over Lebanon. “He’s been giving me pointers on what I should look for as a No.9 which has been making my job pretty easy,” Foketi told NRL.com. “I throw the ball to him and he does wonders with it.”
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
