KEY POINTS:
Selection issues are breaking out at Junior Kiwi and Kiwis level as Australian authorities try to force the hand of players eligible for both countries.
Top of the list is Parramatta's blockbusting forward Fuifui Moimoi, a latecomer to the NRL who has just turned 28 and is in demand by both countries.
Moimoi was born in Tonga, raised and educated in Auckland and played through the grades for the Mt Albert club before going to Sydney to try his luck. He debuted in 2004 but was not a regular until last season.
For the World Cup next year, Moimoi qualifies for Tonga by birth, for New Zealand by background and for Australia under the three-years residency rule.
He did nothing to clear the waters when asked his allegiance.
"Whoever I get picked by," he said when asked whom he wanted to represent. "If I get picked for Australia first then I'll play for them. But if New Zealand pick me first then I'll play for them. When I was young I always dreamed of playing for New Zealand."
Both country's selectors are adding to train-on squads as teams are eliminated from the NRL playoffs and waiting for the grandfinal to be decided before announcing final squads. If the Eels go this weekend, both will name Moimoi on Monday.
There are no others in this situation at senior level, but at Junior Kiwis level, confusion reigns. The Aussies named four players for their Junior Kangaroos squad who have since pledged allegiance to the Junior Kiwis.
They are key players: Souths halfback Eddie Paea, who is expected to be their number one starter in 2008 after the departure of Joe Williams; Dragons centre Chase Stanley, nephew of "Smokin' Joe"; backrower Lagi Setu and Storm half Liam Foran, whom some rate as the next Stacey Jones.
All have been training with the senior Kiwis train-on squad in Sydney.
The Australians have also named a schoolboys team that features players who were either born here or born in Australia to Kiwi parents.
The New Zealand Rugby League has been approached by some parents who have made it clear their sons will change to push for Kiwis selection once older.
It is lack of internationals that has prompted some Kiwi-eligible teens to play for Australia. Often, managers push them that way because of the higher earnings and percentages available in State of Origin and tests.
The Kangaroos' pay-packets are around four times bigger than the Kiwis', something the NZRL is addressing to bring parity and eliminate that attraction.
