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.
Griffo
Guest
If he continued to favour Tonga over NZ and if the selection rules regarding first tier nations remain the same then presumably he would be eligible for Australian selection by 2021.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Was the kiwi knee jerk reaction to ban Bromwich and Proctor wise? Does anyone really remember the incident now? Or more importantly give a fig? I thought at the time it was a rash call and could have been handled far better and more appropriately. With the benefit of hindsight it was a howler...
Exoduz Jerome
Roar Rookie
good move
Exoduz Jerome
Roar Rookie
good on you mate..this could be a huge call for other lsland boys..
Sylvester
Guest
If he's switched for the reason publicly given, I say good on him. But I'd like the Kiwi selectors to not pick him again after the cup (should he want back). If it's a protest defection as speculated, that's very disappointing.
republican
Guest
.....more power to him & to Tonga!
The Barry
Roar Guru
It will be great to see JT13 turn out for Tonga if true but this absolutely cruels NZ.
Brissie Boy
Guest
New Zealand in absolute disarray... If Kidwell isn't able to pull a rabbit out of the hat in the World Cup, I'd say his position would have to be under pretty intense scrutiny to say the least.
Dean
Guest
Couldn't agree with you more pilferer.
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Hi Scott agree I hope Tonga do well. But NZ needed the 4 i mentioned below too be able to knock the roos off. No disrespect to the English but a full strength kiwis was the only team that could pinch the cup in Australia.
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Even with Taumalolo ,Harris ,Proctor and Bromwich David Kidwell isn't a good enough coach to lead us to the cup. Cant blame JT when he spends half the game on the bench for the kiwis. I expect more defections.
Scott Pryde
Expert
That's huge if true.... Great news for Tonga who are a shot at making the semi's now.