All the talk about his controversial Tonga defection hasn't fazed Jason Taumalolo ahead of their opening Rugby League World Cup clash with Scotland.
Jason Taumalolo in action Photo: photosport
In fact the 113kg enforcer wants to make a statement of his own in Cairns tomorrow.
Taumalolo has been public enemy No.1 in New Zealand after sensationally turning his back on the Kiwis to embrace his Tongan heritage.
New Zealand coach David Kidwell hasn't held back, accusing Taumalolo of cowardice for not telling him of the switch to his face.
Kidwell has also refused to guarantee the former Dally M Medallist will be welcomed back into the Kiwi side.
It would be enough to distract the best of players but Tongan mentor Kristian Woolf said Taumalolo was focused solely on sparking a maiden Cup finals berth for the side.
"Jason handles everything terrifically, that is why he is such a good player," Woolf told AAP.
"None of the talk in the media has fazed him.
"One thing I know about Jase is that he does his best talking on the field."
Taumalolo chose to opt for Tonga after reportedly falling out with Kidwell over his decision to not consider Kiwi captain Jesse Bromwich and backrower Kevin Proctor for the Cup after a cocaine controversy in May.
Woolf said he wasn't sure whether Taumalolo's loyalties would remain with Tonga after the Cup.
All he knew was Tonga would make the most of their time with the NRL superstar.
"Realistically it doesn't bother me one bit [if he returned to New Zealand]," Woolf said.
"He has made a strong decision at the moment, a decision a lot of people wouldn't make."
The scenario sets the stage for an epic grudge match when Tonga take on New Zealand in a 11 November pool match in Hamilton.
But Woolf said they wouldn't be taking Scotland lightly as Tonga look to finally qualify for the finals at their fifth Cup.
The world No.11 side are suddenly tournament dark horses after Taumalolo and Kangaroos X-factor Andrew Fifita opted to join them.
The squad also features Will Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, Daniel Tupou and Michael Jennings.
Meanwhile, Jake Trbojevic's World Cup is over after just one game due to a torn pectoral muscle but the Australian lock is still hopeful of being fit to start the NRL season for Manly.
Trbojevic boarded a flight back to Sydney today, with the Sea Eagles star unsure if he will require surgery after scans confirmed the debilitating injury.
The 23-year-old ended last night's tournament opener in hospital after he was injured trying to tackle England's James Graham late in Australia's 18-4 win.
- AAP
