KEY POINTS:
Hooker Nathan Fien says he has no regrets about throwing his lot in with the Kiwis and wants another chance to wear the New Zealand rugby league test jumper.
Australian-born Fien found himself in the eye of the "grannygate" storm last month when he was ruled ineligible for the Kiwis after two Tri-Nations appearances.
He left the New Zealand squad in mid-campaign, heading back to his native Queensland to take time out.
Fien said today that it had been a difficult period for him and he was pleased to be back at pre-season training with the New Zealand Warriors so he could concentrate on rugby league again.
"It was tough couple of weeks, not only on myself but also my family and, I dare say, the New Zealand public as well as all supporters of rugby league," he said.
"I've had lot of support over the last six weeks or so and I thank everyone for that."
Fien said the controversy hadn't dampened his enthusiasm to run out for the Kiwis and he hoped there would be more caps to come.
He becomes eligible for New Zealand next October on completion of three years' residency in Auckland.
"It was fantastic to be able to play those two tests," he said.
"It's something I will always cherish. It was a great experience and hopefully I will get that chance again later down the track."
Fien, 27, made his test debut when he came off the bench in the narrow loss to Australia in Melbourne. He also played in the Kiwis' 18-14 defeat of Great Britain in Christchurch.
But the Rugby League International Federation ruled he hadn't yet qualified for the Kiwis when it was discovered that his great-grandmother, and not grandmother as required, was born in Wanganui.
The decision led to the Kiwis being stripped of the two points from their victory over the Lions.
Fien said he wanted to forget about the whole eligibility saga and concentrate on the Warriors' National Rugby League campaign next season.
"I just want to get back and start playing rugby league, and put everything that happened behind me and move on," he said.
A former Queensland representative, he ruled out having another crack at getting back into State of Origin football.
"I've made my decision that I want to play for the Kiwis and that rules that out," he said.
"I've made my decision, so that won't even come into calculations."
- NZPA
