Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita’s decision to turn their backs on New Zealand and Australia to play for Tonga in this year’s World Cup has delighted teammate Will Hopoate.
The front-rowers are the biggest names in the Mate Ma’a squad for the World Cup, which boasts several current or former Kiwis or Kangaroos.
Taumalolo’s decision on Wednesday to pledge his allegiance to Tonga has been followed by Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Manu Ma’u and David Fusitu’a also advising New Zealand they would be committing to Tonga.
Crowd favourites Konrad Hurrell and Manu Vatuvei are also in the Tonga squad along with former Kangaroos Michael Jennings and Daniel Tupou.
Hopoate, who has played five State of Origin matches for NSW, says it’s great for international rugby league that players such as Taumalolo and Fifita commit to Tonga over a Tier One nation.
“It’s obviously great for Tonga, and great for the game,” Hopoate said.
“It’s building the game internationally and I think it will make the World Cup a bit more competitive.”
Fifita’s decision to withdraw from Australia’s squad for Tonga will cost him a $30,000 tournament payment as well as a possible $20,000 payment if the Kangaroos win the World Cup.
Instead he’ll join a Tonga squad receiving a $30 per diem during the tournament, which starts on October 27.
“It’s a big stand what they’re doing and obviously courageous of them to do so,” Hopoate said.
“There’s obviously a lot more benefits playing for the Tier One nations and they’re clearly not doing it for money, rather for passion, for pride and it’s great for the game.”
Hopoate said he was unaware of a reported pact between the New Zealand players to choose Tonga over the Kiwis in protest against New Zealand coach David Kidwell.
Taumalolo and the other Kiwi-eligible players are believed to be upset with Kidwell’s decision to overlook Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor after the pair breached team protocol following this year’s Anzac Test against Australia in Canberra.
The influx of talent to Tonga’s line-up has resulted in them shortening to fourth-favourite in betting markets for the tournament behind Australia, England and New Zealand.
Priced at $81 with UBET before news of Taumalolo’s defection broke, Tonga have come in to $31 with more bets placed on the Pacific Islanders in the past two hours than in the past two months.
“It is a boost for us getting these boys … there’s no secret to that but just because their name’s on a piece of paper doesn’t mean we’re going to play magically on the field,” Hopoate said.
“It’s going to take hard work, it’s going to take a few tough training sessions … training hard and being consistent with what we do off the field will help us perform on the field.”
Andrew Fifita
Mahe Fonua
David Fusitu’a
Siliva Havilli
Ata Hingano
Will Hopoate
Konrad Hurrell
Michael Jennings
Solomone Kata
Sione Katoa
Samisoni Langi
Tuimoala Lolohea
Sika Manu
Manu Ma’u
Sam Moa
Ben Murdoch Masila
Joe Ofahengaue
Tevita Pangai jnr
Ukuma Ta’ai
Sio Siua Taukieaho
Jason Taumalolo
Peni Terepo
Daniel Tupou
Manu Vatuvei
Confused
Guest
Unless you're Greg Inglis.
Terry Tavita
Guest
they only cry, kick up a fuss and suffer a bout of amnesia when the boot's on the other foot..
matth
Guest
Samoa have announced a very strong squad.
matth
Guest
It just defends how you define 'Queensland'. We are all in QLD if we just let it into our hearts.
matth
Guest
It just defends how you define 'Queensland'. We are all in QLD if we just let it into our hearts.
Greg
Guest
It's not exactly a new concept.......in the ANZAC test the reverse happened and Meninga called up Fifita while he was in camp with Tonga, where was the uproar then? Times have changed, with globalisation, cultures are now frequently mixing. If you're of mixed race and eligible to represent multiple nations then you should be able to. http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/andrew-fifitas-callup-to-the-kangaroos-comes-at-the-expense-of-tonga/news-story/33c62d3d62e0db45fbf1933ba3c2f9f7
Go warriors
Guest
Good side Kiwi hard. I would also have Manu Vatuvei in there as well.
Kiwi Hard
Guest
1. Will Hopoate 2. David Fusitua 3. Solomone Kata 4. Michael Jennings 5. Daniel Tupou 6. Tui Lolohea 7. Ata Hingano 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Sione Katoa 10. Sam Moa 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Sio Siua Taukieaho 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Siliva Havilli 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Sika Manu 17. Konrad Hurrell/Peni Terepo/Tevita Pangai Jnr As a kiwis supporter, i would be worried if we had to play this team. Looking forward to this world cup a whole lot more. Playing off the back this forward pack, the backs are capable of anything!!!
Dean
Guest
Couldn't agree more Fox. This now will add a lot more interest. There are goijg to be some very good games coming from the tier 2 countries. I'm very interested in the Samoa selection of players. This pacific competition is very good for the WC and the game in general. Hopefully the governments can organise test matches against each other on an annual basis after the WC. ..
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
In my view, it's an excellent 'price' to pay. The worth to the code of a competitive international scene ought to be obvious.
Kiwijack
Guest
Tonga unfortunately lack any creativity in the halves Hingano and Tui are way to inexperienced. Good luck to Tonga certainly have the forwards.
Craig Joubert
Guest
But what are the rules for Queenslanders? It seems to be that if you were born and they want you then your eligible....
blagblah
Guest
No way is that a better squad than NZ. Most thier team is made up of players nz didnt wont
Not so super
Guest
Fifita has chosen Tonga over Australia No more origin
Not so super
Guest
rCG was born and bred in Australia I hope he plays for Australia
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Good to see these guys turn out for Tonga, however the whole process is a bit shambolic when one day, Fifita is picked by Australia then the next day he decides to play for Tonga. Once you have played for one Nation that should be it, no flip flopping between countries. The Tongan squad looks strong and should be aiming for the Semi's.
Womblat
Guest
Yeah there's a real strong argument for that, especially right at the moment.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Lots of power and size, decent speed as well. Where will the smarts, play making and leadership come from? I am very happy for these guys to want to represent Tonga, it is getting to the point where Tonga should be considered a top tier nation and these guys can then play for Tonga or NZ/Aus, not both. It is fine for Italy to pick up the odd spare NRL player, but that Tonga team is good enough to be a full Nation that plays Aus all the time.
Albo
Guest
I think the Samoa & Fiji squads will be similarly strong too ! They announce their squads on the weekend. Could be a new rugby league face or two in the semi finals this time ?
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
I reckon most people think it's great for the tournament and the game generally, but the issue is the credibility of it as an international competition. If players can swap teams so easily, it becomes just another club tournament. There needs to be some firm connection between the player and the country he's representing. If those rules are in place, no problems.