Australia has lost the World Cup tug-of-war for newly-minted premiership winner Rob Toia, with the Sydney Roosters centre declaring for Tonga.
Toia has been pursued by both Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters and Tongan coach Kristian Woolf as the global showpiece, set to be broadcast exclusively on Seven and 7plus Sport, has drawn closer.
The 22-year-old has proved himself as one of the game’s most lethal centres either side of the ball on the Roosters’ run to Sunday’s 19-18 grand final win over Newcastle.
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Walters is set to reveal his Kangaroos squad on Monday morning but Toia won’t be a part of it.
“I just thought of missing out on being a part of a special team and the team has what it takes to win the World Cup,” Toia said.
“I’d be stupid to not want to be a part of it.
“I back myself to be in contention to play for Australia in any other year.
“I’d still love to achieve that Australian dream but I feel like I’ve still got so much footy to play and I still back myself to put myself in contention in any other year.”
Toia said he would keep his premiership ring in his room and look at it every day.
“It will sit next to my rookie of the year trophy and centre of the year trophy,” the Roosters centre said.
Fellow Roosters teammate Salesi Foketi has also indicated he will reject an approach from New Zealand at the World Cup.
Tonga open their tournament by facing England in Perth on Saturday October 17, while Australia face New Zealand in Sydney two days earlier.
Seven and 7plus Sport are the home of the Rugby League World Cup, with every game shown live and free across the screens of Seven.
