Count Kangaroos forward Jake Trbojevic as a fan of Tonga getting more high-profile international rugby league fixtures.
Mate Ma'a will play Australia on October 20 at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium, their first test against the world champions since 2000.
It will be a busy fortnight for the Kangaroos, who play the Kiwis seven days earlier.
The Manly Sea Eagles star believes Tonga's outstanding World Cup run has earned the respect of the big three - Australia, England and New Zealand.
Tonga beat New Zealand in pool play, before losing a thriller against England in the semi-finals.
Trbojevic said it was an exciting time for the international game.
"Off the back of the World Cup last year, seeing how successful Tonga was, to get that test the week after playing the Kiwis the week before, it's great for international rugby league and great for the growth of the game," he said.
"They are a really tough team, really hard to stop and the play a great brand of footy, so it's a bit scary to play against them."
As for the test being hosted by New Zealand, the 24-year-old believed it made sense, given the vast Pacific Island community in Auckland.
Thousands of Tongan fans flooded Auckland streets in 2011 during the Rugby World Cup and repeated the dose throughout the North Island during last year's rugby league tournament.
"They will get that fantastic support and give them a chance to build on what they achieved at the World Cup."
Kangaroos players have unanimously agreed to take a significant pay cut for the fixture in order for the game to be signed off.
From the standard AU$20,000 match fee, they will instead receive just AU$5000 for the clash.
Trbojevic said it was a no brainer for him and stressed that when it comes to international football, it's not about the money.
"Anytime you get to play for Australia, it's about representing the Kangaroo jersey,” he said. “It's the pinnacle of our sport so you would play for free.
"It's a great honour to wear the Kangaroos jersey, whenever you get a chance. It's not about getting paid."
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