The rollercoaster career of playmaker Junior Amone has taken a positive turn after he was named in the Tonga squad for the Rugby League World Cup.
Amone, 24, played the last of his 51 NRL games for St George Illawarra in 2023, but was later deregistered following a conviction for an assault involving a hammer.
He was ordered to serve an intensive correction order before returning to action for Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup where he hit top form this season.
NRL clubs have been keeping tabs on his progress while Tonga have also watched his form closely, after the former Dragon was part of their most recent World Cup squad in 2022.
Amone, as long as he receives final eligibility and integrity approval, and West Tigers' half Latu Fainu are both in the mix to partner Dolphins whiz Isaiya Katoa in the halves.
Fainu had explored playing for Fiji alongside his brothers but was deemed ineligible by the international governing body.
Huddersfield veteran Tuimoala Lolohea, a favourite of Tonga coach Kristian Woolf, is easily the most experienced halves option in the 24-man squad that will be trimmed back to 23 in the coming days.
Tonga have named a squad that looks capable of challenging for the title when the tournament kicks off next week.
Sydney Roosters right centre Robert Toia's decision to stick with Tonga despite Australia's interest is a boost, as is the choice by winger Jojo Fifita to align with the Mate Ma'a despite being qualified for also the Kangaroos and New Zealand.
Fifita, who had a strong State of Origin series for Queensland, is yet to play Test football.
Toia joined fellow Roosters premiership winners Siua Wong and Salesi Foketi in the squad.
Tonga legend Jason Taumalolo is also back for one last World Cup campaign after doing so much for the proud nation.
TONGA: Addin Fonua-Blake, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Demitric Vaimauga, Haumole Olakau'atu, Isaiya Katoa, Jason Taumalolo, Jojo Fifita, Junior Amone, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Latu Fainu, Lehi Hopoate, Leka Halasima, Moeaki Fotuaika, Paul Alamoti, Robert Toia, Salesi Foketi, Sione Katoa, Siua Wong, Soni Luke, Stefano Utoikamanu, Taniela Paseka, Tolutau Koula, Tuimoala Lolohea, Tyson Frizell. (one to be omitted)
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