The Kiwis have gone to ground in the face of widespread media reports that forward pairing Jason Taumalolo and Tohu Harris will make themselves unavailable for Rugby League World Cup selection.
In developments that strike a massive blow to New Zealand’s World Cup chances, Cowboys powerhouse Taumalolo — who made more than 5000 running metres in this year’s NRL — has reportedly decided to represent Tonga.
The 24-year-old lock and 2016 Dally M Medal winner has played for Mate Ma’a three times, including in the 2013 World Cup, and has earned 10 Kiwis caps.
Yet, in a move that all but negates his shot at World Cup glory, the Auckland-born Taumalolo has seemingly elected to play for the country of his ancestry.
If true, he will play against New Zealand in Hamilton on November 11, after the Kiwis’ group matches against Samoa and Scotland.
Premiership-winning Melbourne utility Harris, meanwhile, has reportedly been ruled out of the tournament with niggling foot and shoulder injuries.
A spokesman for the David Kidwell-coached side declined to discuss the reports on Wednesday, saying the 24-man squad would be announced on Thursday as scheduled.
The absence of Taumalolo and Harris would further weaken a New Zealand pack already devoid of experienced duo Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor.
The pair — both certainties for the Kiwis’ starting side — were involved in a drugs scandal after the Anzac Day Test in May, and were subsequently barred from Cup selection.
News Corp Australia has alleged that Taumalolo’s decision to play for Tonga over New Zealand was in direct response to the pair’s omission.
Stalwart hooker Isaac Luke has reportedly been overlooked, having produced a lukewarm NRL campaign for the Warriors in 2017.
Between Taumalolo, Harris, Bromwich, Proctor and Luke, the Kiwis scrum has lost more than 100 Test caps for their World Cup tilt.
Five-eighth Kieran Foran will sit out the Cup with injury.
Warriors-bound prop Adam Blair will captain the side.
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Brad Fittler claims widening State of Origin eligibility rules to include Australian-raised New Zealand and England players will benefit both the domestic and international game.
If you followed the recent Rugby League World Cup, you’ll probably have noted that the tournament has both passionate supporters and vocal detractors.
Since the Super League War, Rugby League has failed to cement an international calendar. The historical tours disappeared – in part due to the war but also since the English game transferred to a summer season.
With many spruiking that the pinnacle of our beloved sport is State of Origin, surely it’s time to make yet another amendment to the playbook and finally let New Zealand and English players in on the fun?
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