Robert Toia has told Tonga he plans to play for them at the World Cup, with the Sydney Roosters star at the centre of one of the tournament's biggest tug of wars.
Australia also have the dazzling Tongan centre on their radar, but he is not the only one.
Gold Coast outside back Jojo Fifita and David Fifita, both in the Australia Prime Minister's XIII team, are understood by AAP to have been listed in the initial 40-man squads of both Tonga and Australia, along with Toia.
"All three of those players have told me that they are available to play for Tonga at the World Cup," Tonga coach Kristian Woolf told AAP.
Australia coach Kevin Walters has Toia firmly in his plans as the Roosters star prepares to play in the NRL grand final..
"He’s still available (for Australia). No-one else has told me otherwise," Walters told AAP.
"There’s some options there for us but Rob is playing well and he is in the grand final.
"He’s been impressive with his Origin form and the last couple of weeks for the Roosters."
Toia, who has played six games for the Queensland Maroons, represented Tonga at the Pacific Championships last year in one Test before he was injured.
Jojo Fifita, born in New Zealand with Tonga heritage, told AAP he had also had discussions with the Kiwis, Australia and Tonga about representing them.
Fifita is yet to play Test football after representing Queensland in State of Origin this year.
"I have never been in this position before,” the Gold Coast outside back said at the club's presentation night on Tuesday..
"I am eligible for Australia, New Zealand and Tonga. I haven't made a decision yet but it is coming closer. I will know in the next couple of days.
"My dad is of Tonga heritage so that is something I definitely would look forward to representing. Mum is from New Zealand and I have Australian heritage as well.
"I have been speaking to Rob (Toia) a little bit and we are both in the same boat. We are both going to see how it plays out."
Jojo's father Pila is a former Tonga rugby union international.
The players have tough calls to make. They want to honour multiple national heritages but ultimately can choose only one for the World Cup. Their decisions must be respected, but they will have to make them soon with all countries set to name their final 23-man squads on Monday.
"It is all very exciting but also new to me so I don't really know how I feel about it," Fifita said.
"I was part of the 40-man Tonga squad last year but when they made the final cut I didn't make it which was disappointing.
"I have definitely decided to play in the World Cup but we will see who I play for.":
Jojo will play alongside PM's XIII captain David Fifita against the Papua New Guinea PM's XIII in Port Moresby on Saturday.
David Fifita played four Tests for Tonga at the 2022 World Cup. Walters said both Fifitas were under consideration for the 2026 tournament.
"They are two that we have spoken about from a selection point of view for sure," he said.
"David has found his home at Souths and had a good finish to the season."
Toia is a right centre and Walters indicated that Brisbane right centre Kotoni Staggs was also in the World Cup frame.
"Kotoni played well last year on the Ashes tour. I know the Broncos season this year was not so good but I am very loyal with that stuff," he said.
"The history of the Kangaroos jersey is that if you play well it puts you in a good position the next time the team is selected."
