New Zealand captain Adam Blair has launcheed a withering attack on Jason Taumalolo for what he says was a betrayal of the national jersey.
Blair also accused Taumalolo of not being “man enough” to tell Kiwis coach David Kidwell of his plans to switch allegiance to Tonga for rugby league’s World Cup.
Blair slammed star forward Taumalolo for failing to advise management of his move and was also highly critical of Warriors back David Fusitu’a — who will be his teammate at the Warriors — for the same late switch.
Blair told NewstalkZB their switch was “shattering” because of his pride in the Kiwis jersey.
The 41-Test veteran said Taumalolo’s failure to front teammates and management well in advance was unacceptable.
“You’ve got to be a man and own up to what you want to do,” he said.
“If you were man enough, you’d make the phone call and tell them.
“He could have told them a couple of weeks ago because I don’t think it was a last-minute decision.
“Obviously this was something he was thinking about doing.”
Blair refused to believe a written statement from Taumalolo, in which the 24-year-old said he wanted to help Tongan rugby league.
Nor did he accept media reports that Taumalolo and others are unhappy at the World Cup ban placed on former captain Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor for disciplinary reasons.
Blair said nobody seems to know the motivation, with Taumalolo having given nothing away during a talk with Kiwis selector Tawera Nikau soon after the NRL grand final.
Blair believes Fusitu’a was committed to the Kiwis until recently and suspects he was lured away by Taumalolo.
“I heard he was still going to stay strong and play for New Zealand. Then half an hour before the team’s announced, I find out that he’s pulling out,” Blair said.
“Obviously Jason’s a big voice.
“He’s our best forward in the game in the NRL, he’s of Tongan heritage, and I’m assuming they would have spoken to each other and made a decision amongst themselves to do what they did.”
Blair said he will find it hard to reconcile what the pair have done and is unsure about their future suitability to play for the Kiwis.
“At this stage, it feels like we’ve been let down a lot,” he said.
“So do we let them back in the team?”
“You’re going to have to find some way to be able to trust them again but does that cause issues and problems that we don’t need?”
Buddy boy
Guest
I know Lolo is only getting 35 biggies to play each game for Tonga but when your on a 10 million dollar contract, who cares about a pittance.
NingNongs
Guest
I have no issue with these players choosing to play for their country of heritage. I also think that it's good for the World Cup. However the real issue here for me is "how" it was done. Bad form!!!
Jacko
Guest
Maybe Sam could play for Tonga?
Fox Lvy
Guest
haha.the next one would be Mel calls David!
catcat
Roar Rookie
Mal didn't call Sam, Jason didn't call David....what next!
MrJSquishy
Roar Pro
I'm honestly on the fence here. I think that both Taumalolo and Fifita going to play for Tonga is great for International Rugby League (as it is with any players going to support their "heritage" nation), but the way they both went about it was pretty poor. But, I can empathise with how hard a decision it likely was for both players. They are giving up money (and potentially a chance to win the World Cup) to give some inspiration, motivation and experience to one of the minnow nations. Obviously that is where their respective hearts are. I think they would both understand that they may never play for NZ or Australia again, but, I don't think that bothers them much. Perhaps this will bring about change in how minnow nations are treated. Could the NRL in future choose to pay, say, all players that get chosen for an international side (and are current NRL players) the same money (irrespective of what country that is)? I know it may sound like an absolutely ridiculous idea, but, it could be good for finally making rugby league truly international. They have a war chest after all (to help rugby league compete against other codes). Why not use it to expand the game?
Cedric
Guest
I think the majority of kiwis' are upset that the coach only found out days before the team announcement and through a 3rd party. Had Jason and the Fuss advised Kidwell a month or so ago I'm sure most kiwis' would think it's good for the game and good on them!
Cedric
Guest
I believe Taumalolo and the Fuss both played for Tonga before the Kiwis'. But what gets me is why would you then go and play for the Kiwis, is it money or prestige, if so that's a shocker to me. Money, in my book, would never come into it, country 1st! I rather be poorer and play for my country than rich and sell my soul! Kidwell finding out days before the team announcement is a blight on both players. But I suppose they are youngsters and they have made a mistake, time to move on.
Aem
Guest
And you sound like Taumalolo taking to the NZRL/selectors/coach ...oh wait, no. He didn't.
Judge Holden
Roar Guru
He looks pretty strong to me ;)
Fox Lvy
Guest
You sound like Blair!
eagleJack
Roar Guru
So announce it weeks or months ago. Even after the NRL GF he sat down with the NZ selectors to discuss the World Cup. Didn’t say anything about defecting to Tonga. He’s a weak man unable to face up to the NZ players or management. That’s my point. Whether it’s good for international league or not is largely irrelevant.
Jacko
Guest
he wont put a Black jumper on again....Not unless he buys one at a Big W.....I hope he is NEVER selected for NZ ever again.......Also his Parents and Family are from NZ too so maybe he is letting them down too......I was going to ask him but I refuse to talk to scabs
Jacko
Guest
So showing nothing but disloyalty and going about it in the worst possible way is good for league????
Jacko
Guest
I would love to see their faces when they pick up their $35 a day pay for the tournament.........Never select Taumololo for NZ again I say....Dont care what NSW and AUS do with Fifita but I doubt Mal will ever select him again........Is he elligable for NSW now???? As dont you have to be available for Aus to play SOO
Jacko
Guest
And yet BOTH were born in NZ ( Taumololo ) and Aus ( Fifita )......NOT TONGA
Jacko
Guest
It will be funny if he gets hurt playing NZ and is out for next season......Oh the Irony...Particully if it is frendly fire from Fifita
Sylvester
Guest
It'd be interesting to know if that would have happened under stricter eligibility rules.
Dayer
Guest
you must be joking ... this is good for world league ..
Dayer
Guest
get over it...