Cronk: Fifita’s defection ‘poor’

Kangaroos halfback Cooper Cronk has labelled Andrew Fifita’s late defection to Tonga for the Rugby League World Cup as ‘‘poor’’.

Fifita revealed a pact formed with Jason Taumalolo and other Tongans was behind his own decision to play for Tonga after being selected in Australia’s squad just a few days earlier.

The Cronulla Sharks prop joined a host of Kiwis, led by Taumalolo, in joining Tonga’s squad that was revealed on Thursday for the upcoming tournament held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Melbourne Storm’s NRL premiership-winning star said he had no problem with Fifita playing for Tonga but said the way he went about it was wrong.

‘‘I reckon it’s poor,’’ Cronk told Australia’s Sky Sports Radio yesterday.

‘‘He made the phone call an hour before the team was assembling in Sydney for the official photos and things like that.

‘‘There’s a right way to go about things and there’s a wrong way to go about things.

‘‘And, you know, I think he’s gone about it the wrong way,’’ Cronk said.

Cronk added that it would have been better for Fifita and other Tongan players to decide their allegiances months ago instead of changing their minds at the last minute.

‘‘He’s entitled to do whatever he feels is right in his heart and his mind.

‘‘And if Tonga’s that I’ve got no problem. But do it the right way.’’

Fifita revealed said he was scared to phone Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga about his shock decision to represent Tonga instead of Australia.

Kiwis coach Dave Kidwell said on Thursday that he was still waiting to hear from Taumalolo about the North Queensland Cowboys star’s surprise switch from New Zealand to Tonga.