THEY have not been focusing on Scotland ahead of their match at Derwent Park, Workington, tonight, but Tonga’s Samsoni Langi believes that his side’s individual preparations are exactly what is needed to progress in Rugby League World Cup 2013.

Tonga were also one of just four nations to skip a warm-up match for the tournament but Langi believes that his team, which has been drawn in Group C against Scotland, Italy and Cook Islands, are keeping it as simple as possible.

“Our targets are to win the pool and advance to the quarter finals first but we are just taking each game one at a time,” said Langi.

“We are based in Manchester and the boys are settling in just fine. We have been doing just training mainly, just training ahead of the Scotland game.

“We are not really doing homework on Scotland, we are just training and concentrating on our own things for the game.

“We didn’t have a trial match but I don’t see it affecting us in any way. The mood in the camp is pretty good.

“We just want to play each team then sit down and reassess before going into the next game.”

The Mate Ma'a were favourites to reach the last four alongside England, Australia and New Zealand at RLWC2008, though were ultimately thwarted by Samoa.

This time around, the Tongans have recruited a team that includes vastly experienced veterans such as Parramatta Eels prop Fuifui Moimoi and former Australia international Brent Kite, as well as younger players like 20-year old Langi, who is thrilled to be playing alongside such well-known stars in his first World Cup.

“It is really good having players like Fuifui and Brent Kite in the squad,” said Langi. “They talk on and off the field to us all and tell us what a young player should be doing on the field.

“I was really happy to be called up for Tonga, this is my first time in England and my first World Cup.

“The feeling around the World Cup is much more exciting for players and supporters, and with them having a parade in Workington, it shows how much it matters to the home fans.”