Updated: 7:18am – The New Zealand rugby league forward Jason Taumalolo is reportedly not going to be the only player to snub the Kiwis when the World Cup squad is named today.
Australia’s Daily Telegraph is reporting that another 7 players are going to throw their weight behind Tonga.
Tuamalolo has confirmed he will play for Tonga at the World cup saying he made the decision to help the development of Tongan rugby league.
“I really enjoyed my time within the Tongan World Cup Squad last time and have had a long time association with Tongan Coach Kristian Woolf,” said Taumalolo in a statement.
“I just feel it’s time to give back and hopefully I can assist and inspire young Tongan players to chase their NRL goals.”
But the Telegraph has linked his move to dissatisfaction with Kiwi’s coach David Kidwell’s decision to omit former captain Jesse Bromich and Kevin Proctor from the Kiwi’s squad following disciplinary issues stemming from this year’s Anzac Test in Canberra.
The paper suggests seven other high profile Kiwi players – Tui Lolohea (Wests Tigers), Solomone Kata (Warriors), Konrad Hurrell (Titans), Manu Vatuvei (Salford), Manu Ma’u (Eels) and David Fusitu’a (Warriors) – are ready to walk away from the Kiwis.
On Wednesday night, Sydney Roosters’ Sio Siua Taukeiaho, who has one cap for New Zealand, confirmed he will play for Tonga.
Both the Tongan and Kiwi World Cup squads are due to be named today.
-RNZ
