Former Warriors five-eighth Tuimoala Lolohea has revealed he feels more pride playing for Tonga than he does when representing New Zealand.
Speaking to RadioLIVE, the one-time capped Kiwi admitted the red jersey gives him a greater sense of gratification, and one that he feels a closer connection with.
"For me, I felt like it meant a lot more playing for Tonga," Lolohea said.
"It's a team that doesn't have much, we're a second-tier nation obviously and a lot of the people in the Tongan team, we play for the pride of the jersey.
"I really don't know how to explain what it feels like to play for Tonga, it's a different feeling and I am very proud of my heritage."
Lolohea said he feels the increased level of fulfilment is due to many of the players and their families coming from humble beginnings.
"We don't get much; we got a lot of pride in the jersey because we don't get much," Lolohea said.
"We're not looked at as the same as Kiwis and Australia."
Lolohea was coy on Jason Taumalolo's decision to turn down the Kiwis and represent Tonga at the World Cup, but lauded his choice and said he's looking forward to getting together with the rest of the squad.
"Good on him for committing to a decision, and hopefully we can get the best out of him in this campaign coming up," Lolohea said.
"Coming into a Tongan team, you gel pretty quickly, like the brotherhood. I guess you're just coming into a team with people of your own kind."
Despite all the added star power to the team, Lolohea remained realistic about their chances at the tournament.
"We got a lot of big names in our team but we are going to have to all come together," he said.
"I could say we got a strong team on paper, but that means nothing if you got out there and don't produce on the field."
The two sides will meet at Waikato Stadium in just over four weeks and the former Warrior expects a brutal clash.
"I think it's going to be a physical game, they've got a couple of big boys in that Kiwis team and we've got a couple of big boys in our team," Lolohea said.
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