Felise Kaufusi dumps Kangaroos for Tonga ahead of Rugby League World Cup

First it was Victor Radley now it’s a high-profile Maroon opting out of representing Australia at the Rugby League World Cup.

Felise Kaufusi of Tonga is tackled during the Pacific Test match between the Tonga Mate Ma'a and the Fiji Bati at Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney, Saturday, May 6, 2017. (AAP Image/Craig Golding) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Mal Meninga’s Australian side has suffered another setback in their quest to defend the World Cup after Melbourne and Queensland star Felise Kaufusi switching his allegiances to again represent Tonga.

Kaufusi confirmed his switch of allegiance in a text message to News Corp becoming the latest big name to join Tonga in the lead-up to the event and pushing the tier-two nation into a genuine title contender. It is understood Kaufusi only made his decision this week.

The Maroons back rower would have been a certain selection in Meninga’s squad and will walk into the Tongan side, alongside fellow Origin representatives Daniel Tupou, Siosifa Talakai and Kotoni Staggs. Talakai and Tupou have reaffirmed their commitment to represent Tonga just weeks after taking part in Origin III for the Blues.

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Felise Kaufusi has confirmed he plans to play for Tonga at the World Cup. Picture: AAP Image/Craig Golding

Meninga made clear his frustrations with the eligibility rules and the uncertainty over a host of players in an interview with News Corp earlier this week.

The loss of Kaufusi won’t have helped his mood as he attempts to nail down a preliminary squad for the World Cup, which will be played in England.

Kaufusi has played four matches for the Kangaroos including two pool matches at the last World Cup. He has represented Tonga previously, featuring in three matches for the rising nation between 2015-17. But his inclusion now has Tonga on the brink of becoming a genuine powerhouse.

A host of Origin representative players have now confirmed they will represent either Samoa or Tonga at the end of the year.

Victor Radley will represent England. Picture: NRL PHOTOS

NSW winger Brian To’o will play for Samoa while Jarome Luai, Steve Crichton, Junior Paulo, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Jeremiah Nanai, Joseph Suaalii and Josh Papalii’i also have the ability to join the Pacific Island minnow.

Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley has pledged his allegiance to England in a further blow to Meninga and the Kangaroos. Because of England’s tier-one status Radley will no longer be able to play Origin unlike those who play for Samoa or Tonga.

Fa’asuamaleaui is expected to commit to Australia as will Nanai. Crichton is also likely to put his hand up to represent the Kangaroos if given an opportunity.

Nanai is a chance to making the World Cup squad and will push the likes of Cameron Murray, Angus Crichton, Liam Martin and Kurt Capewell for a starting spot.

Kangaroos coach Mel Meninga has expressed his frustration over the international eligibility rules. Picture: AAP Image/David Rowland

It is understood the ARL Commission has little appetite to overhaul the eligibility guidelines given commissioner Wayne Pearce only completed a review of the system last year.

It is understood that review investigated whether players born in NSW or Queensland should be able to play State of Origin even if they committed to England or New Zealand at international level.

ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys confirmed the review was now complete, opinion had been divided and the commission had opted to retain the status quo.

“Wayne Pearce did a 12-month investigation into the eligibility rules,” V’landys said.

“He spoke to everyone. It was a divided opinion. Some were for (change) and some were against it.

“Right at the moment it stays as it is but like any good business you have to continue to monitor the situation, you have to adapt to the circumstances that prevail.

“So there won’t be any change at the moment but that is not to say there won’t be in the future.”

The Kangaroos are likely to revert back to their old selection panel of Darren Lockyer and Laurie Daley after state coaches Billy Slater and Brad Fittler opted against taking on the role.

Originally published as Felise Kaufusi dumps Kangaroos for Tonga ahead of Rugby League World Cup