Warriors star chooses to stick with Tonga

Warriors flier David Fusitu’a will not be returning to the Kiwis for the upcoming representative round after confirming his international allegiance remains with Tonga.

Fusitu’a was one of four players, alongside Jason Taumalolo, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Manu Ma’u, who made a lastminute switch from New Zealand to play for Tonga at last year’s World Cup.

While new Kiwis coach Michael Maguire said he was open to selecting those players at his appointment in May, last week he said he believed they would be sticking with Tonga.

Mate Ma’a coach Kristian Woolf also told Stuff recently he would be surprised if all the players he selected at the World Cup did not remain available for Tonga’s clash against Samoa in Sydney on June 23.

Fusitu’a was born in Auckland but told 1News that he has decided to stick with Tonga for his family and the future of the game.

‘‘When I think back to my parents’ parents, who came over from Tonga and didn’t have a lot but did what they could to give us a chance of a better future, I feel it’s only right to give back,’’ Fusitu’a said.

‘‘I’ve been given this opportunity to do what I love, to play rugby league, because of all they sacrificed.’’

Tongan fans came out in their droves at the World Cup, selling out stadiums in Hamilton and Auckland as Woolf’s team reached the semifinals.

And the way they were able to rally the fans played an influential part in Fusitu’a’s decision.

‘‘I believe we’re able to do something special by playing for Tonga,’’ he told 1News.

Meanwhile, Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has been named to make his return from injury against Manly in an NRL game in Christchurch on Saturday.

The star halfback has missed the last three games after hurting his ankle late in the round-nine win over the Wests Tigers last month.