TONGA star Willie Manu says he can’t wait to visit Leigh this autumn for his team’s Rugby League World Cup 2013 islander showdown with Cook Islands.

St Helens star Manu is expected to play a leading role for the island nation at this year’s tournament, having earned a reputation as one of Super League’s most explosive attacking players.

And he believes that Tonga’s exciting brand of Rugby League will excite supporters new and old.

“We seek to play an entertaining game for the fans and we play to win. I’m sure it’ll be a performance worth watching,” said Manu.

“Once we get the squad together we can start to discuss our targets, and I think the aim has to be to win the group that we’ve been drawn in.

“If we can do that then we can start to look at what else we can achieve, but it’s important to focus on each of our group opponents first, before we start getting ahead of ourselves.”

Like many of the competing nations, both Tonga and Cook Islands are likely to be able to call upon a number of heritage stars for the tournament.

And there’s a strong chance that seasoned stars Zeb Taia, Keith Lulia and Wigan’s Anthony Gelling could turn out for the Cookies.

Tonga face Cook Islands at Leigh Sports Village on November 5.

Tickets for the game are now on sale. See rlwc2013.com or call the ticket Hotline on 0844 847 2013.