Dallin Watene-Zelezniak proudly followed in the footsteps of his great-grandfather to captain New Zealand's rugby league side, but is now hoping to do his Tongan roots proud and beat the Kiwis in their World Cup semi-final.
Born in Hamilton, he idolised his great-grandfather Steve Watene, the first Maori man to captain the Kiwis and the only former NRL player to serve in New Zealand parliament.
Watene-Zelezniak is incredibly proud he continued that family legacy with his 13 caps for the Kiwis, including five as captain.
However, the winger has traded a black jersey for red at this Rugby League World Cup, and will now face off against his former side for a spot in the final.
"My great-grandfather got to captain the Kiwis as well, so that was pretty special to be able to put his name back where it once was," Watene-Zelezniak said.
"It was always a goal of mine to represent New Zealand, but at the same time it was always a goal to represent Tonga for my grandma and my father.
"I've been able play for both countries now, so I feel quite blessed."
The 31-year-old says he decided to switch allegiances now so he could be in peak condition wearing a Tongan jersey.
"I didn't want to go to Tonga when I was old and couldn't really do anything," said Watene-Zelezniak, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL.
"I actually wanted to come to Tonga to make an impact.
"I felt it would be disrespectful if I just came to Tonga if I couldn't make the Kiwis team."
In 2019, he captained New Zealand to a loss against Tonga, just the second time the Polynesian nation has won against the Kiwis.
Eight years later, Watene-Zelezniak will be hoping that result repeats itself, but this time with him contributing to the victory.
Winning Saturday's semi-final in Newcastle would be one of the greatest results in Tongan sporting history, with the island country never having made a World Cup final in any sport.
Ahead of the semi-final, his family has divided allegiances.
"My family is going to be split down the middle on the weekend," Watene-Zelezniak said at an event to promote the return to Australia of the "Light the World Giving Machines'', vending machines that give to those in need.
"It's going to be a win-win for my family, no matter who wins the game."
