Jason Taumalolo opts to play for Tonga

[shiznit]

Tell you what, New Zealand v Tonga is going to be a huuuuuuuuuuuuuge game.

Dude.... I live about 20mins walk from the stadium it’s being played in...

And I wouldn’t give a f**k about it if they gave me free tickets.

All these withdrawals on the back of a seriously shitty season from the Warriors has really hurt the sport this year.

Hopefully the Tongan community comes out in force.

 

[Burns]

What’s the vibe been like in NZ to the announcement? Anger?

 

[shiznit]

What’s the vibe been like in NZ to the announcement? Anger?

TBH... I don’t know if anyone really cares...

I haven’t seen too much coverage of it...

 

[Grapple]

What’s the vibe been like in NZ to the announcement? Anger?

I would say the vibe is minor frustration combined with authentic disinterest.

 

[Burns]

The Warriors probably couldn’t have picked a worse year to perform so poorly in.

 

[ed-grimley]

Didn't realise Parra had a couple of Italians playing for them.

 

[mikeob]

Tonga's coach is Kristian Woolf who is also coach of the Townsville Blackhawks.

 

[Usain Bolt]

What’s the vibe been like in NZ to the announcement? Anger?

Check out the Veitchy on Sport FB page, seems to be where most NZers go to discuss sport

 

[Irish-bulldog]

It's an amazing decision from Jason in my opinion , the game will never grow if Nz and Australia just keep buying the best talent from the islands. Same with England and the home nations. These nrl stars should inspire some pride in these island nations it's not like they need the money.

 

[Golden point]

It's an amazing decision from Jason in my opinion , the game will never grow if Nz and Australia just keep buying the best talent from the islands. Same with England and the home nations. These nrl stars should inspire some pride in these island nations it's not like they need the money.

Your spot on. Look at fiji, if they can have more success then Australia would never be able to pinch guys like radradra, lote and I bet your balls they put a thought to the bloke at the storm.

 

[Stallion]

Dude.... I live about 20mins walk from the stadium it’s being played in...

And I wouldn’t give a f**k about it if they gave me free tickets.

All these withdrawals on the back of a seriously shitty season from the Warriors has really hurt the sport this year.

Hopefully the Tongan community comes out in force.

I think NZ v Tonga may be the making of Tonga as a force in rugby league! It will be a popular fixture for sure!

 

[typicalfan]

More regular fixtures with nrl endorsement is the only way these nations keep top tier talent long term.

 

[DC_fan]

Allowing players to spread their so called loyalty over two nations makes international rugby league look a joke.

 

[Meth]

It's alright to blame David Kidwell, but Jason Taumalolo decision is based on Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor being left out of the squad.

Not according to Taumalolo

 

[Stallion]

Allowing players to spread their so called loyalty over two nations makes international rugby league look a joke.

Got to start somewhere! Happens in other codes? And other codes dont have obstacles put in front of them like rugby league has in many countries. Get that one up yu!

 

[Meth]

Allowing players to spread their so called loyalty over two nations makes international rugby league look a joke.

Rugby League made it's bed....

 

[SBD82]

Triple m reporting that there are 8 players who are considering defecting from NZ to play for tonga.

No names mentioned though. Anyone got more info on this?

 

[Stallion]

Rugby League made it's bed....

Other codes do it as well. In the big scheme of things it's worth the crap critics put on it as these same critics arent aware of the struggles Rugby league faces in many areas of the world.

 

[Meth]

Triple m reporting that there are 8 players who are considering defecting from NZ to play for tonga.

No names mentioned though. Anyone got more info on this?

Hurrell, Lolohea, Fusitua, Vatuvei, Kata, Taumalolo...can’t remember the other 2

 

[Meth]

Ma’u and SST