Grandad's beautiful reaction to Fifita's World Cup decision

Andrew Fifita said his decision to play for Tonga was all about honouring his heritage, and this touching video shows exactly how much it means to his family.

Fifita's shock last-minute call to shun Australia and play for Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup left a lot of fans and teammates confused and angry.

Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith were the two highest profile players to criticise the defection, but they may be eating their words after watching this video.

Fifita took to Instagram on Friday to upload vision of his grandfather breaking down in tears after finding out that Andrew would be representing his heritage at the World Cup and donning the Tongan colours.

His grandfather's eyes well up with tears as he speaks in his native tongue about how he feels, before embracing Fifita with a big hug.

Tonga have been the talking point ahead of this year's World Cup, with Fifita joining New Zealand enforcer Jason Taumalolo in moves that have the minnows soaring into contention.

"I know people won't understand that I love playing for Australia; they'll say I snubbed the country, and I hate that," Fifita said last week.

"I am all about family and my heritage and this is my one chance to show what it means to me, on the world stage, and that's what weighed on me."

Cronk said it would have been better for Fifita to have made the choice a couple of months ago rather than after he'd been named for the Kangaroos.

He said Fifita's last-hour call to Mal Meninga came despite the Kangaroos coach standing up for him publicly over "a few different indiscretions".

"He's entitled to do whatever he feels is right in his heart and his mind, and if Tonga's that I've got no problem," Cronk said.

"But do it the right way."

Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Manu Ma'u and David Fusitu'a also advised the Kiwis they would be committing to Tonga, before the announcment of their squad.

with AAP