High drama as NSW Origin stars selected in Tonga test team

The NRL is set for a showdown between rugby league powerbrokers with two NSW State of Origin stars caught in the middle of a storm.

Kotoni Staggs is torn. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.

NSW State of Origin stars Kotoni Staggs and Daniel Tupou have been selected to play for Tonga in a move sets up a showdown between rugby league powerbrokers.

The pair have been named in an extended squad in the team that will face New Zealand on the same weekend the Blues face Queensland in Origin II in Perth on June 26.

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Tongan coach Kristian Woolf has reportedly reached out to Blues coach Brad Fittler to clear the air surrounding the selection decision that leaves Staggs and Tupou caught in the middle between the two camps.

The Daily Telegraph reports Woolf has selected the pair in case Fittler overlooks both players when the NSW team for Game 2 is announced on Sunday.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports the pair are yet to make up their mind about which team they will be playing for next weekend.

Daniel Tupou and Kotoni Staggs. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.

“I spoke to Freddy, and the last thing either of us wanted was for them to be left out of one squad and then not named in the other,” Woolf told the Herald.

“Nobody wants to see these two watching footy next weekend.

“You want to see the best players playing. I’m happy for them to have a foot in both camps. The rules allow them to do so.

“We’ll meet again on Friday, and will obviously need an answer either way by Sunday.

“These two guys deserve their options. I also believe Origin shouldn’t interfere with their ability to play international football, and for a country like Tonga that they have such a strong affiliation with.”

Tupou and Staggs will earn $15,000 if they choose to represent the Blues for Origin II — and are selected again — or will earn $2,000 for playing in Tonga’s Test.

Woolf is hopeful they pick NSW but understands if they don’t.

“We know we can’t compete financially, but the pride in representing Tonga — and the pride they have when they come together — it’s a big reason why these boys want to play for Tonga,” he said.

Kotoni Staggs can’t be in two places at once. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.

“We just want them to make a decision that’s right for them and their families. If that’s Tonga, then great, if it’s NSW, we understand the reasons why as well.

“Toops has played with us since 2013 and played in nearly every Test since then. Nobody would ever question his loyalty to us.

“His inclusion would also be a massive boost for some of the younger guys in our group who could find themselves in a similar position moving forward.”

Sharks centre Siosifa Talakai was also named in the centres for Tonga on Wednesday despite being strongly considered by Fittler as a bench option for Origin II.

Meanwhile, New Zealand has dropped Shaun Johnson from its extended squad.

Tonga squad

1. Tolotau Koula (Sea Eagles) 2. Daniel Tupou (Roosters) 3. Siosifa Talakai (Sharks) 4. Mosese Suli (Dragons) 5. Sione Katoa (Sharks) 6. Kotoni Staggs (Broncos) 7. Talatau Amone (Dragons) 8. Siosiua Taukieaho (Roosters) 9. Siliva Havili (Rabbitohs) 10. Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors) 11. Sitili Tupouniua (Roosters) 12. Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs) 13. Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys) 14. Soni Luke (Panthers) 15. Haumole Olakau’atu (Sea Eagles) 16. Tevita Pangai Junior (Bulldogs) 17. Tevita Tatola (Rabbitohs) 18. Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans) 19. Will Penisini (Eels) 20. Isaiya Katoa (Panthers) 21. Andrew Fifita (Sharks) 22. Joe Ofahengaue (Wests Tigers) 23. Starford To’a (Wests Tigers) 24. Christian Tuipulotu (Sea Eagles) 25. Eliesa Katoa (Warriors)

New Zealand squad

Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm) Jesse Bromwich (Storm) Kenneath Bromwich (Storm) Dylan Brown (Eels) Erin Clark (Titans) James Fisher-Harris (Panthers) Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles) Peta Hiku (Cowboys) Jahrome Hughes (Storm) Moses Leota (Panthers) Isaac Liu (Titans) Joseph Manu (Roosters) Te Maire Martin (Broncos) Ken Maumalo (Wests Tigers) Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks) Griffin Neame (Cowboys) Briton Nikora (Sharks) Marata Niukore (Eels) Isaiah Papali’i (Eels) Jordan Rapana (Raiders) Jordan Riki (Broncos) Brandon Smith (Storm) Scott Sorensen (Panthers) Joseph Tapine (Raiders) Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors)