9 Oct 2008

No shortage of Kiwis and Kangaroos for Pacific rugby league teams

7:30 am on 9 October 2008

There are plenty of former Kiwis and Kangaroos scattered through the Pacific Island teams named for the Rugby League World Cup.

Samoa will have up to nine players who've represented New Zealand, including Nigel Vagana, Francis Meli, Matt Utai and Tony Puletua.

Tonga could have up to five, subject to clearance for Taniela Tuiaki and Fuifui Moimoi who played for the Kiwis in the end of season Test against the Kangaroos.

And the Australian Test rejects Jarryd Hayne and Anthony Tupou have been handed World Cup lifelines - they've been selected for Fiji and Tonga respectively.