Former Kangaroos and now Tonga star Michael Jennings has spoken about choosing to represent the island nation at this year's Rugby League World Cup.
Jennings is just one of a host of NRL stars to represent the nation of their heritage instead of the top tier nations of Australia and New Zealand.
The seven-Test Kangaroos centre defended his teammates Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita, after the pair turned their backs on New Zealand and Australia respectively, saying that the pair were acting for the greater good of the game.
"Think about what Andrew and Jason Taumalolo have given up to represent Tonga at this tournament," Jennings told the Players Voice.
"Andrew and Jason are playing good footy and they’re both at the peak of their careers. They haven't disrespected the New Zealand or the Australian jersey by playing for Tonga. Anyone saying that is speaking a load of rubbish."
"You have a situation where some of the best players in rugby league have chosen the smaller home country over the prestige and dollars of playing for the big country,"
Jennings also said that the pride of representing Tonga outweighs playing for a tier one nation, stating that the side are representing their families, rather than themselves.
"There's more emotion in the Tongan jersey."
"You know what your family has been through and you think about them every time you put it on."
Tonga begin their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Scotland on October 29 in Cairns.
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