Dallin Watene-Zelezniak switches allegiance to Tonga for Rugby League World Cup

Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has changed allegiance to Tonga for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. Watene-Zelezniak previously played 13 tests for New Zealand, with his final appearance for the Kiwis occurring at the 2022 tournament.

The 24-man Tonga squad includes Warriors teammates Leka Halasima and Demitric Vaimauga. Other notable selections include Sydney Roosters players Salesi Foketi, Robert To’ia, and Siua Wong, as well as Knights veteran Tyson Frizell.

Junior Amone has been named in the squad following a period where he was deregistered after an assault conviction. Amone, who played 51 NRL games for St George Illawarra, has most recently played for Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup.

Tonga's opening match is against England on October 17. The squad will be reduced to 23 players in the coming days.

How it developed

• Tue 6 Oct, 2:26pmThe second report provides background on Junior Amone's career and details regarding the potential halves combinations for Tonga.

Where reports differ

• One report lists the name Kulikefu Finefeuaiaki while the other spells it Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Compiled from reports by Stuff and 1News.