Tonga move throws spanner in Kiwis’ Cup bid

RUGBY LEAGUE NEW Zealand’s World Cup campaign is in disarray with rugby league’s most damaging forward Jason Taumalolo turning his back on the Kiwis to represent Tonga.

Taumalolo’s bombshell has rocked the Kiwis’ World Cup preparations, with the side al- ready missing stars Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor (suspensions), and Tohu Harris and Kieran Foran (injuries).

“Hopefully I can assist and inspire young Tongan players to chase their NRL goals,” Taumalolo said in a statement.

“I see ... an opportunity to represent both Tonga and NZ throughout my career. I just feel the World Cup provides developing nations like Tonga an opportunity to play on the big stage and I would like to help them with their campaign.”

The 24-year-old North Queensland hulk has a long history with Tongan coach Kristian Woolf, who was in charge of the Cowboys under-20s while Taumalolo was in the side. The pair went to the 2011 under-20s grand final together and have stayed close over the years, with Woolf also coach of Cowboys feeder club, the Townsville Blackhawks.

Woolf said he had always known of Taumalolo’s desire to play for Tonga again, after he last represented them in 2013.

“He wants to make a real difference while he’s at his best,’’ Woolf said. “That’s a real measurement of him as a young man. He also wanted to represent his family. Both his parents are from Tonga.

“He’s going to be a real leader in the team. In my opinion, he’s the best forward in the game.”

Taumalolo’s stance isn’t about money. New Zealand players receive $30,000 for pulling on the jersey. Tonga can only pay their stars $3000 for the tournament.