Why Tonga, Taumalolo tells

Meninga Apologises to Thaiday

Auckland: Jason Taumalolo has confirmed he will turn his back on New Zealand to play for Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup, explaining his reason for the bombshell defection.

The Daily Telegraph broke the story yesterday, before several New Zealand-based outlets followed, reporting that Taumalolo had made the massive call to swap allegiances due to coach David Kidwell’s decision to stand down star forwards Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor over a cocaine bust in Canberra following their Test loss to Australia in May. Taumalolo did not address that claim in a statement released hours later, instead pointing to an opportunity to further Tonga’s cause after representing the Pacific powerhouse at the 2013 World Cup.

“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,” Taumalolo said.

“I just feel it’s time to give back and hopefully I can assist and inspire young Tongan players to chase their NRL goals.

“I see with the new international rule change an opportunity to represent both Tonga and NZ throughout my career, I have and will always be proud to wear the Kiwis jersey. 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.” – Fox Sports Brisbane: An “embarrassed” Mal Meninga has contacted Sam Thaiday and apologised unreservedly for not giving the veteran forward the courtesy of a phone call before Thaiday found out he had been dumped from the Kangaroos World Cup squad. Thaiday took to social media on Tuesday night to express his hurt and anger at the snubbing, slamming Meninga and the Test selectors, declaring “you’d expect to be treated with a bit more decency and respect”. Meninga told The Daily Telegraph he contacted Thaiday on Tuesday night as soon as he was made aware of the comments.

“I talked to him last night and deeply apologised,” Meninga said.

“It was an oversight. I agree with him. It wasn’t a respectful thing to do. I put my hand up and apologised. I’m not on social media but the word got to me so I called and I couldn’t be more apologetic. I agreed with his sentiments.”

Meninga admitted Thaiday was still hurt when they spoke.- Daily Telegraph