Put World Cup drama behind them
back win over New Zealand.
Tonga’s campaign was spurred on by incredible support, with the way their passionate fans rallied behind the team one of the enduring memories of the tournament.
And while he may not have handled his switch in the ideal way, talking to Fusitu’a it was clear to see just how special it was to represent his country of heritage.
‘‘It’s crazy how something like sport can unite a nation. That’s what happened during the World Cup and I’m still lost for words,’’ Fusitu’a said. ‘‘It was an unreal feeling for me and even for people who weren’t in the team, they came up and told me how it was so great seeing your people get behind the team and that they’ve never experienced anything like it. ‘‘I was in the same boat.’’ Fusitu’a is keen to represent Tonga again while international rugby league’s loose eligibility laws means he can also switch back to the Kiwis before the next World Cup year.
But with the start of the NRL season fast approaching for the Warriors, he is not thinking about his international future.
Fusitu’a played the first half of yesterday’s trial match against Melbourne and was one of the best on the field.
Playing on the wing, the 23-year-old carried the ball strongly out of his own half and scored a try in the 20-14 win in Rotorua.