League: Tonga rename national competition the 'Jason Taumalolo Cup'

Jason Taumalolo led Tonga to a semifinal at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

Jason Taumalolo's impact on the world rugby league scene was swift and strong, choosing to represent Tonga in the World Cup instead of New Zealand and leading the island nation to a semifinal appearance.

The 24-year-old was one of a number of names to choose to play for the second-tier nation rather than the likes of New Zealand and Australia.

While the decision garnered both praise and criticism, Taumalolo told NRL.com that despite changing allegiances, the messages he received from the Kiwis camp after his decision were all positive.

"When I said I was going to go back and play for Tonga I had a few of the Kiwi staff message me and tell me how proud they are of me for deciding to go and represent my heritage and fully supporting my decision,'' he said.

''For them to support me like that it gave me confidence going back, but a lot of the media and that, didn't really approve of the decisions.''

His decision to play for Tonga certainly had an impact on the sport there, with the Tongan national competition set to be named the Jason Taumalolo Cup.

The announcement comes as the dynamic forward's international future remains up in the air. If he wished, Taumalolo could be eligible to play for the Kiwis this year.

Taumalolo wasn't the only one to be honoured by the nation.

Manu Vatuvei, Solomone Kata and Tuimoala Lolohea will have age-restricted leagues named after them, while Australian defector Andrew Fifita agreed to support a nines competition named in his honour which will be played on his home island of Eua.