The first notable thing about this squad is the absence of some of Tonga's veteran stalwarts.

Familiar names like Mafi Langi, Faka'osta u Latu, JP Ivanhoe Ta'akimoeka and the finest Tongan batsman of recent times, Maunanloa Faivakimoana, will not be taking part in the 2009 EAP Trophy, although Langi is listed as a reserve.

With nine players who have not represented the country at an ICC senior tournament, it is very difficult to rate the team.

Simione Latu, the fast bowling all rounder represented East Asia-Pacific in the Australian State Country Cricket Championships earlier in the year and is highly regarded. So too, is 15 year old batsman Aloisio Pau'u from Vai Ko Puna. Tongan cricket followers believe they may just have discovered a special talent with this young prospect.

At the other end of the spectrum, 46 year old Sione Atu Tafuna, comes in for his first appearance at an ICC World Cup Qualifying event.

Tongamama' o veteran Tali Folau Filiai is another player locals believe may do well.

Paea-'i-Auckland Noa has the best individual batting score (75) in the squad, made against Indonesia in the 2005/2006 EAP Trophy in Vanuatu. Apart from him, only Latu (53), has made a half century against the kind of opposition the Tongans are expect to face in Samoa.

Having said all that, the lack of familiarity among the squad doesn't necessarily equate to a lack of talent or self belief. There may be some players here who are about to announce themselves as genuine stars of the region.

Tonga play in Division two of the 50 over competition against hosts Samoa, Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Indonesia. The winner goes through to the inaugural ICC World Cricket League Division 8 tournament.

A round robin 20/20 competition featuring all eight countries is also scheduled.

Team fixtures (Samoa Gardens Sporting Complex)

Sep 17 v Cook Islands (20/20) 9.00am at Ground 1
Sep 17 v Japan (20/20) 12 noon at Ground 2
Sep 18 v PNG (20/20) 9.00am at Ground 2
Sep 18 (20/20 finals) 12 noon
Sep 19 v Samoa (50) 9.00am at Ground 2
Sep 22 v Cook Islands 9.00am at Ground 2
Sep 23 v Vanuatu 9.00am at Ground 3
Sep 24 v Indonesia 9.00am at Ground 1
Sep 25 (50/50 finals) 9.00am

Tonga squad and international career averages.

Aisake Haukinima (South City) 32
RHB/RAMF
Runs: 76 HS: 28 Ave: 9.50
Wickets: 8 BB: 4-84 Ave: 27.75


Simione Latu (Tu'ilokomoana) 23
RHB/RAFM
Runs: 146 HS: 53 Ave: 16.22
Wickets: 8 BB: 4-40 Ave: 25.00


Maka Valu (Tu'ilokomana) 20
RHB/RAM/WK
Debut


Kelepe Fua'otonga 'Otuhouma Ma'u (Alafolauheavula) 25
RHB/RAM
Debut


Paea-'i-Auckland Noa (Kolonga) 32
RHB
Runs: 165 HS: 75 Ave: 20.62


Sione Ata Tafuna (Kolonga) 46
RHB/WK
Debut


Sonatane Taulongo (Alafolauheavula) 29
LHB/LAM
Debut


Aloisio Pau'u (Vai Ko Puna) 15
RHB
Debut


Sione Holi (Alafolauheavula) 33
RHB/RAM/RAOB
Runs: 150 HS: 40 Ave: 18.75
Wickets: 5 BB: 2-18 Ave: 25.80


Tevita Tu'imo'unga Filiai (Tongamama'o) 30
RAM/RHB
Debut


Tali Folau Filiai (Tongamama'o) 40
RAM/RHB
Debut


Kaluseti 'Ofahulu (kolonga) 31
RHB/RAM
Runs: 74 HS: 24 Ave: 12.33
Wickets: 2 BB: 2-8 Ave: 4.00


Latu Langi (South City) 18
RAMF/RHB
Debut


Filimone Moala (South City) 27
WK/RHB
Debut


Reserves: Mafi Langi 38 (Yai Ko Puna), Ofa Palu 18 (South City), Sinu Noa 18 (Kolonga), Tauleka 'Aholelei 22 (Kolonga)

Key Players: Simione Latu, Paea-'i-Auckland Noa, Tali Folau Filiai
Emerging Players: Latu Langi, Aloisio Pau'u, Maka Valu
X Factor: Simione Latu
EAP Representatives: Simione Latu