TRL appeal overturns ban on Moimoi and Tuiaki [1]
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 - 12:05. Updated on Friday, June 13, 2014 - 19:12.
The Tonga Rugby League won its appeal against a court order that banned two NRL stars, Fuifui Moimoi and Taniela Tuiaki from representing Tonga in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup that is currently underway in Australia.
Justice Richard White in a New South Wales Supreme Court yesterday, October 28 dismissed the orders, but the two players can only represent Tonga after November 12.
Moimoi and Tuiaki played for Tonga in the past, and were initially ruled ineligible for the World Cup because they played for New Zealand last year and players are only able to transfer international allegiance once every two years.

Justice White therefore ruled that two-year time limit expires on November 12 dating back to the last time they played for Tonga. That means Parramatta prop Moimoi and West Tigers winger Tuiaki can play in the semi-finals, but not before.

On Monday, Justice White refused an injunction that would have allowed the pair to play against Ireland on Monday night's game.
Happy

The manager of the Tongan team, William Edwards said outside the court that he was very happy with the ruling.
"We're happy that Fuifui and Taniela are coming to camp, because they are a positive influence on the boys."
The Tongan Rugby League was ordered to pay court costs, but William said it was "nothing" compared to having both players in the squad.


"We would have liked to have had them earlier, but to have them there is a real positive for us."
Tonga are rated a good chance to claim the fourth semi-final berth but much hinges on whether they can overcome Pacific rival Samoa in their pool match on Friday.


"We've got to get past Samoa first, and they're going to be a real tough task. We don't know what our position will be on Friday," said William.