The long 2007-08 season is nearing at its conclusion for Leeds Carnegie hooker Vili Ma'asi.
Whilst his club team mates have begun pre-season for next year's National Division One campaign already, Ma'asi is still finishing off his season with his national side, Tonga.
The Tongans have endured an arduous Pacific Nations Cup campaign and last weekend suffered a 20-15 defeat to neighbours Tonga which will almost certainly consign them to the Wooden Spoon in the competition.
They must beat Fiji this Saturday in Nuku'alofa to avoid that fate but with the Fijians having won two games already in the tournament that looks unlikely.
Hooker Ma'asi was on the bench for last week's defeat having started the previous three games and was a try scorer in the defeat to Australia A.