Robert Toia has admitted he still doesn't know who he wants to play for at the World Cup, as the in-demand centre weighs up representing Tonga or Australia.
Toia is the highest-profile player caught in a tug-of-war between nations, with the World Cup just a fortnight ago and final squads to be announced next week.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf had told AAP this week that Toia had indicated he wanted to represent the Pacific nation, after debuting for them last year.
Australia counterpart Kevin Walters has also made clear he believes the Sydney Roosters star is available for the Kangaroos, and he has not been told otherwise.
Toia has accepted he must make a decision soon, but remains uncertain what way he will go with Sunday's NRL grand final against Newcastle before this month's tournament.
"To be honest, I have not made my mind up," Toia told AAP.
"I just find it hard that I don't have a decision. I want to play for Tonga, it means so much to my family, myself and my people.
"I went over to Tonga last year and you can see how much it means to them.
"But to have Australia on your resume. Just to play for Australia, in my second year, I find it such a massive achievement. That's what I'm kind of weighing up."
Beyond Toia, Woolf also believes Sydney Roosters teammates Salesi Foketi and Siua Wong want to play for Tonga in the global showpiece.
Queensland winger Jojo Fifita revealed this week he too was still undecided, weighing up whether to play for Australia, New Zealand or Tonga.
Fifita told AAP he'd had discussions with all three nations, although he was not named in the Kiwis' initial 40-man squad.
Walters has said both Jojo and his brother David are under consideration for Australia's World Cup squad.
In better news for Tonga, Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa has confirmed he will be fit for the tournament after a syndesmosis injury in the preliminary-final loss to the Roosters.
"I don't need surgery. I will be able to play in the World Cup," Katoa said.
"I immediately knew I had done something, so I was definitely happy once I got the scans back it wasn't too bad and I will be able to represent Tonga."
Complicating matters for players who are weighing up their future is the fact Australian representatives stand to earn $40,000 by playing in the tournament.
AAP is aware of coaches and players who are concerned that may prompt some players to choose the Kangaroos in order to benefit their families.
But Katoa said it would never be a factor for him.
"I'd never look at the price tag, it's always where my heart is at," he said.
"I've always said my heart is at Tonga and if it wasn't for Tonga I am half-Cook Islands as well. So if it wasn't for Tonga, I would go Cook Islands."
Meanwhile it is understood Tonga will pick former St George Illawarra half Talatau Amone in their squad for the tournament.
Amone has not played since he was deregistered by the NRL in 2023 for assault. Tonga are still yet to learn if he will be cleared to play in the tournament.
He can return to the NRL next year, and starred on his return to Queensland Cup with Wynnum-Manly in recent months.
