Nick Markham | Rugbyleaguelive.com | 10/10/08 | 0
The Rugby League World Cup's almost-farcical eligibility conditions were further underlined yesterday, with news a number of NRL stars will not be able to participate in the tournament, despite missing out on Australian selection.
Tests selectors yesterday drafted Roosters forward Anthony Tupou in to the Kangaroos squad to cover for the injured Michael Crocker, only days after the Sharks-bound forward was selected to play for Tonga.
But its been revealed that Tupou couldn't have played for Tonga, even if he missed out on a berth in the Aussie Test side, because it wasn't his ''country of election.''
"He has not applied to the Rugby League International Federation to change his country of election," ARL chief Geoff Carr told News Limited.
"Therefore as no application has been made the only country Anthony is eligible to play for is Australia."
Tongan coach, former NRL star Jim Dymock, said he was "disappointed" to lose Tupou.
"He's a quality player and he was at training [yesterday] morning - that's how keen he was," Dymock told Fairfax.
"We thought he was going to play for us, but it's not to be.
"Everyone wants to play for Australia. I know he was disappointed to be knocked back in the first place. It would be pretty hard to knock Australia back - he's been groomed in Australia.
"It's a bit hard for us to be dirty on them. It just makes it a bit harder - we haven't got as many high-quality players in our pool that we can pick from."
Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne finds himself in a similar situation, having been picked in the Fijian squad.
The only country Anthony is eligible to play for is Australia
ARL chief Geoff Carr
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