'Wants to pursue that': DWZ set to snub Kiwis in big allegiance switch

Warriors star Dallin Watene-Zelezniak could be donning a red instead of a black at international level, with the winger considering an allegiance switch.

Watene-Zelezniak, who was one of the best wingers in the NRL this season for the resurgent Warriors, has represented New Zealand on 13 occasions at the international level, but is now weighing up a change to play for the Tonga national rugby league team.

The 28-year-old is eligible for Tonga through his grandmother.

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It’s likely Watene-Zelezniak takes no part in the Pacific Championships at all, with the flyer a chance of electing for minor surgery in order to be ready for Warriors pre-season training.

NZ Rugby League chief executive Greg Peters said that Watene-Zelezniak will not be representing the Kiwis in the inaugural tournament starting on October 14, and says the winger’s desire to represent Tonga is a decision that has been welcomed.

“He’s a wonderful bloke,” Peters said.

“That’s one of the wonderful things about rugby league. Players will make their decisions, factoring in their family links, culture and things they should be considering.

“Dallin is at that stage where he wants to pursue that, and we respect that.”