Isaiya Katoa has said Kristian Woolf's contribution to Tonga's rise went "unnoticed".
Jason Taumalolo's decision to represent Tonga rather than New Zealand preceded a historic World Cup win over the Kiwis.
Tonga became the first tier-two rugby league nation to defeat a top-tier team, and the victory was hailed as the "greatest" moment in Tongan sporting history.
A month before the win, Taumalolo faced criticism from former New Zealand teammates.
Benji Marshall called him "a bit disrespectful to the jersey", while Adam Blair said the Kiwis had "been let down a lot".
Blair asked NewstalkZB, "So do we let them back in the team?"
He added, "You're going to have to find some way to be able to trust them again but does that cause issues and problems that we don't need?"
In an exclusive column for foxsports.com.au, Taumalolo said he had been called a "defector" and "traitor".
His choice was about more than himself: his family came from Lapaha, and Woolf's role in Tonga's change was later highlighted by Katoa.
Mal Meninga called Taumalolo a "pioneer", as other players followed his lead and Tonga developed into a powerhouse.
Nearly nine years after the New Zealand win, foxsports.com.au is revisiting Taumalolo's impact as he prepares to face the Kiwis again on Saturday night.