Tonga to face Cumbria

The touring Tongan team will face Cumbria in a representative fixture at Derwent Park, Workington on Wednesday, October 25 (Kick off 7.30pm).

It is the latest fixture for the revived Cumbrian county team that has previously played against New Zealand ?A?, Anzac Rugby League and Ireland. Cumbria is a county in the very North West of England with a rich history and participation in rugby league.

Tonga will be in the country as they are participating in the Federation Shield tournament against England, France and Samoa. The Federation Shield is international Rugby League?s newest competition.

Simon Malcolm, the RFL?s Director of Marketing, said: ?Cumbria is one of the key areas in Rugby League?s heartlands and the Cumbrians have a fierce pride in their county team.

?Tonga should provide Cumbria with serious opposition as they will have just played in the Oceania Group of the World Cup Qualifying Competition and the opening round of the Federation Shield.

?This is a wonderful opportunity for Cumbrian fans to see a top-class international team as well as players who ply their trade in Australia?s prestigious National Rugby League.?

The Cumbrian team will be coached by Barrow Raiders? Head Coach Paul Crarey, who takes over the role from Warrington?s Gary Chambers.

The Cumbria County squad for the game is:- Liam Harrison, Liam Finch, Brett McDermott, Mike Whitehead (All Barrow Raiders), Ade Gardner (St Helens), Matt Gardner (Huddersfield Giants), Gary Broadbent, Craig Calvert, Derrie Eilbeck, Carl Rudd, Scott McAvoy, Howard Hill, Marc Jackson, Carl Sice (all Whitehaven), Dean Burgess, Sean Lunt, Dean Vaughan, Jamie Beaumont (all Workington Town).

Source: www.therfl.co.uk