Tongans win right to select duo

Fuifui Moimoi played for New Zealand against Great Britain in 2007

Tonga can play Fuifui Moimoi and Taniela Tuiaki in the World Cup - but only if they make the semi-finals.

The duo had been deemed ineligible because they were part of a New Zealand side which toured Britain in 2007.

But the New South Wales Supreme Court ruled they can play for Tonga from 12 November.

"We're happy," said Tonga team manager William Edwards. "We would have liked to have had them earlier, but to have them there is a real positive for us."

Players are only able to transfer international allegiance once every two years under the Rugby League International Federation's guidelines.

Justice Richard White ruled that the two-year time limit expires on 12 November for both players. The semi-finals begin 15 November.

Moimoi, a prop, plays for Parramatta, and Tuiaki is a winger with Wests Tigers.

"Were happy that Fuifui and Taniela are coming to camp, because they are a positive influence on the boys," added Edwards.

Tonga, who opened their tournament with a 22-20 win over Ireland on Monday, will have a good chance of advancing to the last four if they can beat Samoa in their next pool match on Friday.