LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Tiana Penitani, a player for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the NRLW, has made the decision to switch international allegiance and play for Mate Ma'a Tonga in the men's Test scene.
This decision was influenced by conversations she had with key figures involved in Tonga's rise in rugby league.
Penitani, who has Tongan heritage through her late father, had always planned to honor that part of her heritage since returning to rugby league in 2019.
She will be joined in representing Tonga by her Sharks NRLW teammate Vanessa Foliaki and rising star Cassey Tohi-Hiku from the Parramatta Eels.
While the process for women switching allegiances is longer than for men, Penitani believes that Tonga can replicate the success of players like Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo, who shifted their allegiance to Tonga for the 2017 World Cup.