LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Kristian Woolf has confirmed that both Robert Toia, a centre for the Sydney Roosters, and Leka Halasima, a standout forward from the New Zealand Warriors, are available for selection to represent Tonga this year.
Tonga, classified as a Tier 2 nation, often benefits from players switching allegiance from Tier 1 countries such as Australia and New Zealand to participate in significant tournaments.
This year, the Pacific Championships will see Tonga compete against New Zealand and Samoa, who are gathering their top talents, including Payne Haas, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Jeremiah Nanai, for the end-of-year tournament.
The absence of these four players, along with the probable exclusion of Toia from eligibility, will pose a significant challenge for Kevin Walters, the new coach.
Toia faced a pivotal choice between representing Australia, New Zealand, or Tonga. He made his debut for the Queensland Maroons in State of Origin this year, indicating his decision to step away from New Zealand, a Tier 1 team. Furthermore, reports from AAP suggest that Toia will not be joining the Kangaroos for the upcoming Ashes series in England.