Kristian Woolf's squad will be based in St Helens for the tourmanent - and there will be a ripple of excitement with the announcement given this squad will not only be playing two games at the Totally Wicked Stadium, but will be doing community visits in the borough.

 Titans forward David Fifita is one of 21 NRL stars in the Mate Ma'a Tonga squad, which includes NSW Origin representatives Daniel Tupou and Siosifa Talakai, as well as Panthers halfback Isaiya Katoa and hooker Soni Luke.

Tonga captain Hopoate, Hurrell and Huddersfield playmaker Tui Lolohea are the only three Super League players in the squad.

Saints prop Agnatius Paasi, who had a storming season at Saints, is not included. 

Tonga have a very powerful pack, especially the middles.

READ: Why Kristian Woolf will always be a St Helens supporter>

Tonga, who are ranked No.2 on the IRL World Rankings, open their World Cup campaign against Papua New Guinea at St Helens on October 18 before meeting Wales the following Monday at Saints and Cook Islands in their remaining pool matches.

Packman Jason Taumalolo will miss the opening two World Cup matches held at Saints as well this weekend's warm-up clash with France in Halifax after receiving a three-game ban for a tackle in North Queensland's semi-final defeat by Parramatta.

Tonga (Image: Tonga)

Mate Ma'a Tonga 24-man World Cup squad.

Talatau Amone (St George Illawarra Dragons), David Fifita (Gold Coast Titans), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans), Siliva Havili (South Sydney Rabbitohs), William Hopoate (St Helens), Konrad Hurrell (St Helens), Isaiya Katoa (Penrith Panthers) Sione Katoa (Cronulla Sharks), Felise Kaufusi (Melbourne Storm), Keaon Koloamatangi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Toluta’u Koula (Manly Sea Eagles) Tui Lolohea (Huddersfield Giants), Soni Luke (Penrith Panthers), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warriors), Tesi Niu (Brisbane Broncos), Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Sea Eagles), Will Penisini (Parramatta Eels), Mosese Suli (St George Illawarra Dragons) Siosifa Talakai (Cronulla Sharks), Tevita Tatola (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Siosiua Taukeiaho (Sydney Roosters), Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys), Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters).