There's already a strong Tongan presence in the stands in Hamilton. Anything like the atmosphere created in the 2017 World Cup semi-final between England and Tonga, and we should be in for something special.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Robbie Hunter-Paul says Tonga's co-skipper Jason Taumalolo of the North Queensland Cowboys is one of the top three players in the world over the last three years.

One to keep an eye on.

Denis Betts
Former Great Britain international on BBC Two

The international calendar not having a Lions tour every two or four years is something that's been wrong for a number of years.

Image source, Getty Images

Alongside St Helens' Alex Walmsley, Huddersfield winger Jermaine McGillvary is one two former Batley players in the squad for this tour.

“When I was a kid training on a Saturday, I used to play in a Great Britain shirt that my uncle gave to me. I think I posted it on my Instagram once," McGillvary told BBC Sport.

“I used to think that was it at international level, I didn’t realise growing up there was England and age groups as well.

“One of my idols was Henderson Gill, a local guy from my area of Huddersfield. Seeing him on TV doing the boogie and scoring all those tries for Great Britain and Wigan was inspiring. I get to put on that shirt.

“There is no chance of me doing a boogie like that if I score a try, he is a legend in his own right."

Brian Noble
Ex-Great Britain coach on BBC Two

I'm comfortable with the selections (of Australia-born duo) Jackson Hastings and Lachlan Coote).

There are a couple of criteria we need to apply - they've got to want to play, and are they better than the players they could pick?

If they fulfil those requirements, I've got no problems at all.

Robbie Hunter-Paul
Former New Zealand international on BBC Two

I grew up watching New Zealand wanting to play against Great Britain. It is the pinnacle.

Dave Woods
BBC Rugby League correspondent

Image source, SW Pics

The waiting is nearly over.

After 12 years in hibernation, the Great Britain Rugby League Lions will re-emerge on to the international stage on Saturday when they walk out at the FMG Stadium in Hamilton to face Tonga.

It will be an occasion for every rugby league fan, and general sport lover, to relish.

Read the full piece

Jonathan Davies
Former Great Britain international on BBC Two

It was brilliant playing for Great Britain. When I came to rugby league, that was my goal.

These players will enjoy it. It's a brutal tour and it'll be extremely tough.

If rugby league wants to expand, international rugby league has to flourish. It's a brilliant spectacle.

Image source, Getty Images

Jackson Hastings' accent may be pure Aussie but he says he is ready to invest his heart and soul into playing for Great Britain.

The 2019 Man of Steel Hastings' selection, along with fellow Australians Blake Austin and Lachlan Coote, has divided opinion among British rugby league fans and some ex-players.

"Yeah, I obviously understand what people think," Hastings told the 5 Live rugby league podcast. "And who they want to represent this shirt.

"But I've said before, I don't make the rules. I qualify, I put my hand up and it was out of my hands if I got selected. But I'm selected now and I'm truly honoured to be a part of this group of players."

Read the full piece

Given this is Great Britain's first game for 12 years, it won't surprise you to learn that there are as many as 16 Great Britain debutants in Wayne Bennett's team for today's game.

Captain James Graham is the only player to have worn the iconic red and blue chevron before. He wins his 50th international cap - becoming only the fourth British player to reach that landmark.

Australia-born duo Lachlan Coote and Jackson Hastings start at full-back and scrum-half respectively.

Great Britain: Coote; McGillvary, Hardaker, Gildart, Hall; Widdop, Hastings; Hill, Hodgson, Thompson, Bateman, Whitehead, Graham (capt).

Interchanges: Jones, Burgess, Lomax, Walmsley.

Image source, Getty Images

Willie Mason's punch on Stuart Fielden, Sean Long being sent home - the Lions' last tour in 2006 was one of the great sporting series.

Have a read of the inside story from those involved

BBC Two

Image source, Getty Images

It has been 12 years since we last saw them in action.

Today the Great Britain Lions are ready to roar again.

Coverage begins right now on BBC Two and at the top of this page.