Blockbusting forward Jason Taumalolo has withdrawn from consideration for the New Zealand squad for the Rugby League World Cup in favour of playing for Tonga.
The Auckland-product's manager has confirmed that Taumalolo will shift his international allegiance back to Tonga for the tournament, which begins on October 27.
"I just feel it's time to give back and hopefully I can assist and inspire young Tongan players to chase their NRL goals," the 24-year-old said in a statement.
"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 like Tonga and opportunity to play on the big stage and I would like to help them with their campaign."
Australia's Daily Telegraph claims that the former Dally M medallist is highly disappointed over the disciplinary measures taken against fellow Kiwis Jesse Bromwich following their cocaine scandal earlier this year.
According to Channel Seven reporter Liam Cox, Taumalolo also has issues with Kiwis coach David Kidwell, and that the pair "do not get on."
He made his international debut with Tonga in 2013 and went on to play three matches for them at the World Cup that same year. The defection will add extra spice to their clash with the host New Zealanders in pool play on November 11 in Hamilton.
"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," he added.
It's another enormous blow to New Zealand's hopes of regaining the Cup they last won in 2008, and comes on the eve of the official squad announcement on Thursday.
In addition to the loss of lynchpins Bromwich and Proctor, the Kiwis are also without the likes of Kieran Foran, Jordan Kahu, and Tohu Harris due to inury.
Taumalolo has been in stunning form for the NRL's North Queensland Cowboys, playing a critical role in their unlikely run to the Grand Final where they fell to the Storm.
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