Amone's Redemption Complete as Tonga Name Banned Playmaker in 24-Man World Cup Squad

The rollercoaster career of Junior Amone has taken another dramatic turn after the 24-year-old was named in Tonga's 24-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup on Tuesday. Amone has not played in the NRL since 2023, when St George Illawarra deregistered him following his conviction for an assault involving a hammer, but he rebuilt his career with Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup this season and cannot apply for NRL re-registration until February. Pending final eligibility and integrity approval, he is one of several halves options alongside Dolphins playmaker Isaiya Katoa, Wests Tigers' Latu Fainu and veteran Tuimoala Lolohea. Tonga coach Kristian Woolf must trim one player from the squad before the tournament begins. The announcement, made by Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, underlines how seriously the Mate Ma'a are taking their title tilt: Queensland Origin backs Robert Toia and Jojo Fifita turned down potential Kangaroos debuts to commit to Tonga, while Sydney Roosters forward Salesi Foketi chose Tonga over the Kiwis. Blues Origin stars Addin Fonua-Blake and Stefano Utoikamanu lead a fearsome pack featuring Jason Taumalolo, Haumole Olakau'atu and Leka Halasima. Tyson Frizell will become the first player to represent three different nations at three World Cups, following Wales in 2013 and Australia in 2017. Tonga open their campaign against England in Perth on Oct. 17, with the tournament kicking off Oct. 15 when Australia face New Zealand in Sydney.