Tonga match exposes Kiwis winger’s family’s split loyalties
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s family will have split loyalties when the Kiwis winger faces Tonga in Saturday’s crunch Rugby League World Cup clash in Hamilton.
The 22-year-old was born in Hamilton and lived up the road in Ngaruawahia before moving to Sydney at a young age.
Watene-Zelezniak’s father is Tongan and most of his mother’s family are from Hamilton, which hosts New Zealand and Tonga’s encounter to decide who tops Pool B ahead of the quarterfinals - and likely avoid tournament favourites Australia until the final in Brisbane on December 2.
It will be the first time Watene-Zelezniak, who returns to the left wing after not featuring in the 74-6 thrashing of Scotland, has played in front of most of his family after playing in the NRL for Penrith Panthers since 2014.
New Zealand’s opening 38-8 World Cup victory over Samoa in Auckland was the first time Watene-Zelezniak had represented the Kiwis on home soil.
‘‘I’m excited but I don’t think I’m as excited as my family.
‘‘Most of my family is from Hamilton on my mum’s side and I’ve been brought up there for quite a while so it’s going to be a big one - not for me but my family.
‘‘I’ve tried to get as many [tickets] as I can but the family are keen just to get their own and be there to support,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s going to be the first game I’ve played for the Kiwis in front of most of them - nearly all of them.’’
Tongans from his dad’s side of the family will be in the stands and Tonga fans could outnumber Kiwis after they painted Hamilton red on a special night last Saturday.
Watene-Zelezniak said: ‘‘I’m pretty sure they might be going for the Kiwis, I haven’t asked them, but if I’m getting some of them tickets they better be going for the Kiwis!’’
Tonga beat Samoa 32-18 in an occasion that will long be remembered for the unity shown between the rival Pacific Island nations after a week of build-up marred by violent scenes between rival fans in South Auckland.
The hype for Saturday’s match revved up when four former Kiwis, led by Jason Taumalolo, switched to Tonga just days before World Cup squads were announced.
Taumalolo and fellow defectors David Fusitu’a, Manu Ma’u and Sio Siua Taukeiaho are all starting against New Zealand.