The Australian World Cup team has confirmed that Andrew Fifita has withdrawn from the Kangaroo squad to represent Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup.
Fifita’s decision follows that of Cowboys lock Jason Taumalolo who will also play for Tonga rather than the New Zealand Kiwis
Penrith Panthers forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard has been called into the Kangaroos squad to replace Fifita who informed Kangaroos Coach Mal Meninga today of his desire to represent Tonga.
“Andrew called me and said he was passionate about playing for Tonga and I respect and support that decision,” Meninga said.
“It is obviously a significant boost for Tonga as well as the World Cup – and international Rugby League in general.
“At the same time it is also a great opportunity for someone like Reagan, who has been outstanding for the Panthers.
“I’m extremely excited about seeing Reagan in a Kangaroos jersey.”
The Tongan squad will be announced shortly.
The updated squad, listed alphabetically, is as follows:
Darius Boyd - Brisbane Broncos - Mudgeeraba Redbacks
Reagan Campbell-Gillard - Penrith Panthers - Windsor Wolves
Will Chambers - Melbourne Storm - Nhulunbuy, NT
Boyd Cordner (vc) - Sydney Roosters - Old Bar Pirates
Cooper Cronk - Melbourne Storm - Souths Acacia
Josh Dugan - St George Illawarra Dragons - South Tuggeranong Knights/Valley Dragons
Tyson Frizell - St George Illawarra Dragons - Corrimal Cougars
Dane Gagai - Newcastle Knights - Souths Sharks
Matt Gillett - Brisbane Broncos - Bribie Island Warrigals
Wade Graham - Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks - Blacktown City
Valentine Holmes - Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks - Western Lions/Townsville
Ben Hunt - Brisbane Broncos - Blackwater Crushers
Felise Kaufusi - Melbourne Storm - Bundaberg Brothers
David Klemmer - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs - All Saints Toongabbie
Josh McGuire - Brisbane Broncos - Aspley
James Maloney - Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks - St Edwards, Gosford
Jordan McLean - Melbourne Storm - Young Cherrypickers
Michael Morgan - North Queensland Cowboys - Townsville Brothers
Cameron Munster - Melbourne Storm - Norths Knights
Billy Slater - Melbourne Storm - Innisfail
Cameron Smith (c) - Melbourne Storm - Logan Brothers
Jake Trbojevic - Manly Warringah Sea Eagles - Mona Vale Raiders
Tom Trbojevic - Manly Warringah Sea Eagles - Mona Vale Raiders
Aaron Woods - Wests Tigers - Leichhardt Juniors
