Willie Mason named in World Cup squad... for Tonga?

Dominic Brock | rugbyleaguelive.com | 06/08/08 | 0

Willie Mason has been picked to play in Tonga’s World Cup squad, with Tongan coach Jim Dymock also selecting NRL stars Brent Kite, Anthony Tupou and Michael Jennings.

The quartet – who were also named in Australia’s preliminary 46-man squad – could represent Tonga at the Cup if they miss the cut for the Kangaroos’ 24-man squad to be named on October 6.

Other players named in a star-studded Tongan squad include Feleti Mateo, Tony Williams, Manu Vatuvei, Epalahame Lauaki, Richard Fa’aoso, Manase Manuokafoa and Roosters brothers Lopini and Mickey Paea

Several World Cup teams are expected to call up NRL players with ancestral ties to their country in order to boost their Cup prospects.

Ireland has already named Melbourne Storm prop Brett White in their squad.

ARL chief executive Geoff Carr has denied the situation lends a farcical nature to rugby league’s greatest international tournament.

“As we know there are a whole host of players that are eligible for more than one country legitimately and a lot of them haven’t played for anybody,” Carr told The Australian.

“The rules allow them to be considered by both countries and if they’re not selected for their favoured country, they’re still eligible for the other as the rules allow them to do.”

There are a whole host of players that are eligible for more than one country... ARL chief executive Geoff Carr