Jason Taumalolo’s decision to leave the New Zealand Kiwis and represent Tonga at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup has received one of the sport’s highest honours, with international rugby league authorities recognising its lasting impact on the game.
The 33-year-old Tonga National Rugby League XIII captain was named on Thursday among 42 inaugural inductees into the International Rugby League (IRL) Hall of Legends, becoming the only currently active player selected.
The IRL specifically acknowledged his 2017 decision as a transformative moment in international rugby league, recognising a contribution that extended beyond his performances on the field.
Taumalolo’s controversial switch encouraged other established NRL players to represent their Pacific heritage, including Andrew Fifita, who chose Tonga over Australia.
Their commitment strengthened Tonga’s squad and helped propel the Pacific nation to a historic World Cup semi-final appearance in 2017.
From controversy to international recognition
Taumalolo’s decision attracted considerable attention because he had already established himself as a New Zealand international.
However, his commitment demonstrated how players eligible for established rugby league powers could choose to represent their ancestral homelands.
The 2017 campaign also elevated Tonga’s international profile, attracting large crowds and passionate support from Tongan communities in New Zealand, Australia and beyond.
Nine years later, his induction formally acknowledges the influence of that decision on the international game.
Only active player among rugby league greats
Taumalolo joins celebrated figures including Wally Lewis, Mal Meninga, Cameron Smith, Darren Lockyer, Andrew Johns and Billy Slater.
Other Pacific representatives recognised include Fijian great Petero Civoniceva and former New Zealand and Samoa women’s international Luisa Avaiki.
The inaugural class represents eight nations: Australia, England, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga and Wales.
IRL chairman Troy Grant said the recognition reflected contributions extending beyond individual achievements.
“This is long overdue recognition for these players whose contribution to international rugby league was not just confined to the playing field but transcended into the betterment of the game and into the lives and memories of rugby league fans worldwide,” Grant said.
More than 240 nominees were considered by an international selection committee comprising former players, coaches, administrators, journalists and commentators.
Honour follows Tonga’s World Cup exit
The announcement follows Tonga’s 34–10 semi-final defeat to New Zealand at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Despite the loss, Tongan supporters continued celebrating their national team, with communities displaying national flags and staging parades across several countries.
Taumalolo’s recognition also comes as the international game prepares for further expansion, with the 2030 Rugby League World Cup scheduled to be staged across the Pacific and the United States.
The inaugural Hall of Legends inductees will be celebrated at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Thursday, ahead of this weekend’s 2026 World Cup finals.
