Talatau Amone, deregistered from the NRL after an off-field incident, has been cleared to represent Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup.
He began his comeback in Queensland Cup this year, impressing for Wynnum Manly as coach Kristian Woolf addressed a shortage of eligible halves.
Tonga had already received approval to name 24 players, but Amone's eligibility was still unresolved. "We had to make sure there was approval from the IRL and the NRL for Junior to make sure he was eligible to play," Woolf told the Australian Associated Press.
Woolf said, "Junior is a very talented player, and I have been quite impressed by his comeback into rugby league." Tonga will cut Moeaki Fotuaika to make room for Amone.
Amone has played 51 NRL matches for St George Illawarra and is expected to partner Dolphins player Isaiya Katoa in the halves. Tuimoala Lolohea is another option, while Latu Fainu could share dummy-half duties with Soni Luke.