The five will join other big names, including Will Hopoate, Michael Jennings, Manu Vatuvei, Konrad Hurrell, Solomone Kata, Daniel Tupou, Tui Lolohea, Joe Ofahengaue, Sam Moa and Sika Manu in a squad many now believe can rival the Kangaroos, Kiwis and England.

“It is obviously great for Tonga and I think it is great for the game. It is building the game internationally and I think it will make the World Cup more competitive.”

Under new international eligibility rules introduced this year, players who qualify for more than one country are able to represent a tier two nation if they are not playing for one of the big three of Australia, England and New Zealand.

The rule change was intended to enable all nations to field their best possible teams so James Tedesco could play for Italy or Jarryd Hayne could represent Fiji if not selected by Australia, but few thought star players would pick a tier two nation as their preference.

By playing for Australia or New Zealand, players can earn up to $50,000 at the World Cup, whereas the smaller nations can barely afford to pay them anything.

However, Taumalolo’s decision to play for Tonga over the Kiwis created a domino effect that allowed Tonga coach Kristian Woolf to name what is virtually a first-choice Mate Ma’a team.

“It is a big stand what they are doing and I think It is very courageous of them to do so,” Hopoate said. “There is obviously a lot more benefits playing for the tier one nations and they are obviously not doing it for money rather for passion and for pride. I think it is great for the game.

“The soccer World Cup has got a good gig about it where everyone, regardless of what competition they are playing in, they go back to where they are from and I think that is a good thing. I see a little bit of that with the boys coming back to play for Tonga and I think that is good for the game.”

RLWC2017 chief executive Andrew Hill said the World Cup was the first time in the game’s history where players with dual eligibility were able to make a choice without effecting their future representative aspirations.

“We thought that once the rules were changed it would take the pressure off the players in terms of talking to their NRL coaches and making a decision which may have significant impact down the track,” Hill said.

“Anyone who wants international rugby league to grow and to prosper has to applaud the player’s decision and get behind it.”

Australian coach Mal Meninga supported that view, despite being forced to called in Campbell Reagan-Gillard after Fifita withdrew from the Kangaroos squad named 48 hours earlier.

“I love the fact that players have got a choice, and you don’t have to neccesarily make a decision you want to play for a tier-one team,” Meninga said.

“I think that’s the best ways to get your best teams for each country and how you help promote the game.

“In our instance, for example, Andrew has made a decision with his heart to go with Tonga but it gives us the chance to pick Campbell Reagan-Gillard so it enables people to keep aspiring to play in the World Cup, regardless of what country, so I think it is good.”

Vs Scotland
Purchase Tickets to Tonga v Scotland in Cairns on 29/10/2017

Vs Samoa
Purchase Tickets to Tonga v Samoa in Hamilton on 04/11/2017

Vs New Zealand
Purchase Tickets to Tonga v New Zealand in Hamilton on 11/11/2017

By Brad Walter | @BradWalterSport
Chief Correspondent, RLWC2017