Jason Taumalolo rejects New Zealand Kiwis to play for Tonga
COWBOYS superstar Jason Taumalolo has withdrawn from the Kiwis side saying he feels like it’s time to give back to developing league nation Tonga.
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NEW Zealand’s World Cup campaign is in tatters after the world’s best forward, North Queensland superstar Jason Taumalolo, withdrew from their team on Wednesday.
The heavyweight lock forward has chosen to play for Tonga instead — the country he represented at the 2013 World Cup — in a wonderful boost to their hopes of making the final.
The Daily Telegraph understands Taumalolo’s decision was based around his disappointment that Kiwis coach David Kidwell had sacked champion Melbourne prop Jesse Bromwich and Gold Coast forward Kevin Proctor from the team for disciplinary issues stemming from this year’s Anzac Test in Canberra.
SORRY: Mal Meninga apologies to Thaiday
Taumalolo released a statement on Wednesday via his manager Chris Orr saying he has made the decision to help Tonga, a developing league nation, in this year’s World Cup
“I really enjoyed my time within the Tongan World Cup Squad last time and have had a long time association with Tongan coach Kristian Woolf,” Taumalolo said.
“I just feel it’s time to give back and hopefully I can assist and inspire young Tongan players to chase their NRL goals.
“I see with the new international rule change an opportunity to represent both Tonga and NZ throughout my career. I have and will always be proud to wear the Kiwis Jersey. I just feel the World Cup provides developing nations an opportunity to play on the big stage and I would like to help them with their campaign”.
Taumalolo’s withdrawal has rocked the Kiwis’ preparation following news last week that Kieran Foran had also withdrawn from the tournament to work on his injury recovery.
New Zealand play Tonga on November 11 at Hamilton’s Waikato Stadium, which will pit Taumalolo against his former Kiwi teammates.
The 2016 Dally M Medallist has been unstoppable for the Cowboys this year, running more than 5000m this season.
Originally published as Jason Taumalolo rejects New Zealand Kiwis to play for Tonga
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