How Fifita's switch left teammate in the lurch
A Kangaroos rookie has revealed how Andrew Fifita's last minute decision to play for Tonga left him completely stranded.
Fifita shocked his teammates on Thursday morning when he announced he was walking away from the Australian team and offering his services to Tonga, despite being named in Mal Meninga's Kangaroos squad earlier this week.
The 28-year-old has joined New Zealand star Jason Taumalolo in making the shock defection, while several other Kiwi-eligible players have been picked for Tonga.
Fifita's decision came at the last minute as Kangaroos players were preparing to meet up for their first training session, and Wade Graham has since revealed how his teammate left him high and dry.
“It was a bit of shock to me,” Graham said.
“(Fifita) was supposed to give me a lift in this morning ... I had to jump in with Val (Valentine Holmes), otherwise I would have ended up at Tonga training.”
Graham says he has no idea why his teammate turned his back on the Kangaroos.
“Andrew’s made that decision. If he feels that’s best for him I’m happy for him,” Graham said.
“If he thinks that’s the best decision for himself, only Andrew knows that. Good on him, I’m happy for him. He wants to represent his heritage, happy days.
“I get to represent my heritage so I’m stoked, I’m excited.”
Fellow Kangaroos rookie Felise Kaufusi also expressed his shock at Fifita's decision.
“Each to their own ... Tonga, and being a part of that group once before, you form a special bond. You can’t really explain it,” Kaufusi said.
“It’s pretty special to them and their families.
“I’ve been getting hassled (about switching sides), but it’s a dream come true to be a part of this squad and I’m really buzzing that I’m wearing these (Australian) colours.”
In snubbing short-priced favourites Australia, Fifita is turning down a potential $50,000 pay cheque for winning the World Cup, with Tonga players expected to take home just $3000 for their participation.
"Andrew called me and said he was passionate about playing for Tonga and I respect and support that decision," Aussie coach Mal Meninga said in a statement.
"It is obviously a significant boost for Tonga as well as the World Cup - and international rugby league in general."
Penrith forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard has been called into the Kangaroos squad to replace Fifita.
"It is also a great opportunity for someone like Reagan, who has been outstanding for the Panthers," Meninga said.
"I'm extremely excited about seeing Reagan in a Kangaroos jersey."
The shock inclusions of Taumalolo and Fifita make Tonga a genuine threat for the World Cup, according to their biggest rivals.
New Zealand took the high road when they described Taumalolo's defection as a boon for international football, leading Kiwis coach David Kidwell to declare Tonga a real contender.
"I think everyone's mindset is that they're going to be thinking they're genuine contenders for the World Cup - we definitely think (they) are, major contenders," Kidwell said on Thursday.
Should Tonga finish top of group B, which includes New Zealand, Samoa and Scotland, they could meet Australia in the final in Brisbane.
"They're definitely a great team. (Taumalolo and Fifita) certainly add to any team they play in. Obviously a lot's happened today. It's all hard to digest right now," Graham said.
Graham insisted it was only a matter of time before emerging nations would be challenging the tier-one nations on the world stage.
"Slowly we see the emerging nations starting to dominate with individual players and groups of players. It's definitely added excitement," he said.
"It's created another talking point for the build-up of the World Cup. It's only going to be a good thing for our game."
Tonga squad: Andrew Fifita, Mahe Fonua, David Fusitu’a, Siliva Havilli, Ata Hingano, Will Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell, Michael Jennings, Solomone Kata, Sione Katoa, Samisoni Langi, Tuimoala Lolohea, Sika Manu, Manu Ma'u, Sam Moa, Ben Murdoch Masila, Joe Ofahengaue, Tevita Pangai jnr, Ukuma Ta'ai, Sio Siua Taukieaho, Jason Taumalolo, Peni Terepo, Daniel Tupou, Manu Vatuvei
with AAP