NRL 2023: Cowboys rookie Kulikefu Finefeuiaki caught in tug-of-war over representative eligibility

Cowboys young gun Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has burst on to the NRL scene in 2023. And he has been caught in a five-way battle, as rival nations fight over his eligibility.

Cowboys young gun Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been caught up in an international tug-of-war over his representative eligibility. Picture: Akex Sweeney.

A representative tug-of-war has emerged for North Queensland Cowboys sensation and Maroons young gun Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.

Finefeuiaki has burst on to the NRL scene this year and will make his first starting appearance in Sunday’s clash with the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium when he replaces injured Queensland star Jeremiah Nanai.

A hard-running backrower who grew up wanting to play for the All Blacks, ‘Kuli’ has been a revelation in his rookie NRL season to help the Cowboys charge from 16th into the top eight with a six-game winning streak.

Now the 19-year-old Ipswich State High graduate is being courted by multiple Test nations and the Maroons.

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has burst onto the NRL scene in 2023 and has caught the attention of multiple test selectors. Picture: Getty Images.

Finefeuiaki was born in New Zealand to Samoan and Tongan parents, making him eligible to play Test football for the three Pacific nations.

But he moved to Ipswich at age 11 and played under-19s Origin for Maroons last year, making him eligible for Queensland and the Kangaroos given he arrived in Australia before his 13th birthday.

Finefeuiaki is already part of Queensland’s junior pathways and Tonga coach Kristian Woolf confirmed to this masthead he was on the radar of the Mate Ma’a, who are set to play Tests following the NRL season.

Finefeuiaki said he was undecided about his representative future but was leaning towards Tonga.

“I wanted to play for the All Blacks but things change when you get older,” he said.

“I had a dream to make it to the NRL and represent either my mum’s side of Samoa or my dad’s side of Tonga on the big stage.

“I probably see myself representing my parents’ background first (before New Zealand or Australia).

Finefeuiaki is spoilt for choices for his test future, with the rookie eligible for Samoan, Tonga, Australiaa and New Zealand. Picture: Getty Images.

“My parents did a lot for me with the sacrifices they made for us kids to have a better life. I want to repay that to them and represent my last name.

“Mum is full Samoan and dad is full Tongan. I support the ref (when Samoa and Tonga play). If I pick one side either my mum or dad will be angry with me.

“That will be hard as (to choose a nation). I don’t want to upset either of my parents. I hope they will be happy with whatever decision I make.

“I wouldn’t mind playing for Tonga because my name is Tongan. It’s my dad’s last name and I was named after my dad’s older brother. To represent Tonga and the last name would be massive.”

Under current representative eligibility rules, ‘Kuli’ could play State of Origin for Queensland and Test matches for Australia, Tonga or Samoa.

However he could not play Origin if he chooses to side with the country of his birth – New Zealand.

Finefeuiaki looks set to overlook New Zealand, after playing for the Maroons in the U19s. Picture: Supplied.

It appears unlikely he will pledge his allegiance to the Kiwis given his desire to play for Queensland in the Origin arena following his under-19s call-up.

“It would be a massive achievement in my career to play Origin,” he said.

“I’m still young and learning but I’d love to play for Queensland one day.

“I watched it in New Zealand when Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Darren Lockyer and Greg Inglis were playing.

“There was one time Queensland lost the series and I was crying in my bed. I went for Queensland and my older brother went for NSW.

“My brother used to give it to me when Queensland lost but he’s a bit quiet now.”

Born in Auckland, Finefeuiaki moved to Redbank Plains with his extended family to chase his football dreams.

He received a scholarship to attend Ipswich State High – the school that produced Queensland great Allan Langer – for his senior years and was spotted by Cowboys recruitment chief Dane Campbell.

Finefeuiaki moved to Ipswich at age 11 and has been a part of Queensland’s junior pathways. PICTURE: Brad Fleet

After spending last year with the Townsville Blackhawks, ‘Kuli’ earnt an NRL debut in round 10 this season and has won seven of the nine game he has played for the surging Cowboys.

“Dad wanted to bring me here to take rugby seriously,” he said.

“I only played rugby union in primary school. Once I moved here I got introduced to rugby league and was confused at first, but I got used to it.

“The Cowboys came to one of our schoolboys carnivals and were talking to my manager. We had a meeting and they signed me when I had just started Year 12 in 2021.

“It’s been crazy (to play in the NRL), I can’t put it into words. I am actually living the dream I dreamt of as a kid.

“It’s pretty surreal being around boys like Jason Taumalolo. I watched him growing up and now I get to train with him and play next to him on the field.

“He was my older brother’s idol – he was a massive fan of Jase. So to get to play alongside him made my brother (TJ) happy, but also a bit jealous.

“I get my first start this week but nothing changes, I just have to bring what I do for the team. I’m enjoying it a lot.”