Tonga will face England in Perth on Saturday, October 17, after Sydney Roosters centre Rob Toia chose to represent the nation at the World Cup.
The 22-year-old was sought by both Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters and Tonga coach Kristian Woolf, but will not feature in the Australian squad Walters is due to announce Monday morning.
Toia said he wanted to join a team he believed could win the tournament.
"I just thought of missing out on being a part of a special team and the team has what it takes to win the World Cup," Toia told AAP.
"I'd be stupid to not want to be a part of it."
"I back myself to be in contention to play for Australia in any other year."
"I'd still love to achieve that Australian dream but I feel like I've still got so much footy to play and I still back myself to put myself in contention in any other year."
Toia established himself as a dangerous centre in attack and defence during the Roosters' 19-18 grand final victory over Newcastle on Sunday.
He plans to keep his premiership ring in his room beside his two individual awards.
"It will sit next to my rookie of the year trophy and centre of the year trophy," the Roosters centre said.
Teammate Salesi Foketi has also indicated he will turn down an approach from New Zealand. Australia meets New Zealand in Sydney two days before Tonga's opening match.