Aloha Tonga, so long Kiwis
JASON Taumalolo is set to shun New Zealand for good after throwing his weight behind Tonga playing a Test in Hawaii.
Taumalolo returned to the training paddock in Townsville this week for the first time since last year’s World Cup, where the Dally M Medallist was the centre of controversy when he defected from New Zealand to Tonga.
His move, later copied by former Kangaroo Andrew Fifita, helped Tonga qualify for the semi-finals, where they went agonisingly close to beating England.
Under the current rules, Taumalolo is permitted to switch his allegiance back to New Zealand, the country of his birth. He has played 10 Tests for the Kiwis.
However the North Queensland powerhouse is expected to stick with Tonga, birthplace of his father, and play against Samoa in the midseason Pacific Test.
A Test between the Kangaroos and Tonga in Hawaii at the end of the NRL season has been discussed and Taumalolo said he hoped to feature in it if the concept became reality.
“It would be a great idea,” he said.
“Taking a game overseas and expanding the game in other countries. What better way to do it than take a game to Hawaii or anywhere overseas?
“I’m fully with that decision if it happens. If it does happen, hopefully I can be a part of it.
“We’ll find out soon (about my decision). We’ve got the Pacific Test halfway through the year or whoever is playing then. I’m sure I’ll make up my mind sooner rather than later.”
While Taumalolo maintained he was yet to make a decision, his eagerness to play for Tonga proves the Mate Ma’a are firmly in his mind.
The 24-year-old’s last appearance for New Zealand was in last year’s Anzac Test which the Kiwis lost 30-12 to Australia.
Taumalolo is reluctant to play under Kiwis coach David Kidwell, who presided over New Zealand’s disappointing exit in the World Cup quarter finals.
Playing for Tonga will cost Taumalolo financially and he called for pay increases for second-tier two nations and more Test matches.
“The boys in some of the tier-two nations have done pretty well in the World Cup and improved,” he said.
“It’s definitely tighter on the international stage.
“If they get a more consistent base of games every year (they will improve) – and a bit of money will help too.”