FuiFui MoiMoi

I remember at the back end of 2007 when we'd had a pretty good year and made the preliminary finals, Ricky Stuart (then australian coach) made an enquiry as to the eligibility of Fui. At that stage FuiFui who was born in Tonga but moved to NZ in his teens, had only played Internationally for Tonga.Stuart made the enquiry as he wanted to ascertain whether or not Fui was eligble to play for Australia, Stuart knew he'd lived here long enough to qualify, but wanted to know if Fui had already commited himself to NZ (who at that stage had never been called upon to play for).When the news broke abot Stuarts interest, MoiMoi was quoted as saying that he was a proud Tongan however had lived both in NZ and AUS and would be proud to represent either nation, he than said it would come down to whoever shows first interest and picks him. After this interview the NZ officials ofcourse quickly named Fui in their squad for the end of year internationals, which Fui went on to play a number of games for.Then in 08 we all know the Eels had a poor year, thus for players in poor teams rep jumpers are harder to come by. IMO Fui stilled played well in 08, in a side whose forward pack got dominated regularly he gave us constant go foward. As we know the World Cup was played at the end of 08, where Fui was still internationally tied to represent NZ however NZ failed to pick MoiMoi in their squad. Fui then tried to change his eligibility back to Tonga, so he could proudly represent his home nation, yet this happened to late and he was not able to play at all.Now we are in 09 and NZ have picked MoiMoi in their squad for the quad nations happening at the end of the season. Where he is no doubt one of the form players in that squad.I write this blog to ask the question, if Fui had of ended up playing for Oz, is there any doubt in the world that he, on the back of his form this season would not make the top 17 in and Australian squad, not only now though for the next few seasons.Imo I believe if he played for us in 07 he would have made such an impact, that the selectors would have kept him playing in 08, through to the world cup and right now on current form should be the first prop forward picked for Oz. (and that includes over Petero and Price)

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N1cK September 4, 2009 at 11:18am

I think from the moment he joined parramatta he has continually improved each week and i dont remember ever seeing him have a bad game..
Thats bullshit he wasnt able to play for tonga tho, the system of eligabillity to represent particular countries should be looked at cause it seems to be a joke in rugby league, there are alot of good tongan and soman junours which will give international rugby league a chance to grow to more than 3 competitive teams

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