Tonga squad receives Junior Amone clearance for World Cup

Junior Amone has received official clearance from the NRL and International Rugby League to play for Tonga in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. The 24-year-old playmaker, who previously played for St George Illawarra, had been facing eligibility questions following a period of deregistration due to a legal conviction.

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf expressed confidence in Amone’s form, noting his dominant performances in the Queensland Cup this season. Amone is expected to compete for a starting position in the halves alongside Isaiya Katoa, Tuimoala Lolohea, and Latu Fainu.

As the squad is trimmed from 24 players to a final 23, Gold Coast Titans prop Moeaki Fotuaika has been omitted from the roster to make room for the finalized lineup.