Taumalolo warned a Kiwi return not a lock

NEW Zealand hierarchy have warned Jason Taumalolo he may never be chosen again as the Kiwis prepare to unleash 200cm giant Nelson AsofaSolomona on the Tongan turncoat.

Cowboys wrecking-ball Taumalolo will tonight confront the Kiwi teammates he sensationally snubbed when New Zealand and Tonga square off in a World Cup grudge-match at Waikato Stadium.

Taumalolo dropped a bombshell on the eve of the World Cup last month when he handed back his Kiwi jumper to defect to Tonga amid reports of a rift with New Zealand coach David Kidwell.

Kidwell slammed Taumalolo for failing to notify him and privately, several New Zealand players are filthy on the Dally M star over his perceived disrespect for the Kiwi jumper.

Now Taumalolo faces a 454kg barrage from Kiwi quartet Asofa-Solomona (120kg), Martin Taupau (112kg), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (108kg) and the man replacing him in the No.13 jumper, skipper Adam Blair (114kg).

Kiwi selection boss Tawera Nikau says the squad has come to terms with Taumalolo’s decision, but admits there is no guarantee he will be welcomed back to the New Zealand fold.

“As selectors, we’ll be showing loyalty to the guys who do the job for the New Zealand jumper,” said Nikau, the legendary former Kiwi lock.

“We would never totally rule out anyone for selection but whether Jason plays again depends on how the current guys are performing.

“Some of us were really disappointed at the time Jason chose Tonga and Adam Blair was vocal about it.

“We’ve moved on and focused on the job at hand, but there’s no doubt there will be some feeling in this game.”

Asofa-Solomona played a key role in Melbourne’s blueprint which muzzled Taumalolo in last month’s grand final.