The Daily Telegraph reports Fifita told coach Mal Meninga of his intentions with the Panthers’ Reagan Campbell-Gillard to replace him in the 24-man squad.

Fifita’s defection to Tonga follows that of Kiwi Jason Taumalolo who announced he would walk away from New Zealand.

Fifita was overlooked for last year’s Four Nations tournament after brandishing “FKL” on his wrist during the season in support of his mate and one punch killer Kieran Loveridge.

The full Tongan squad will be named Thursday morning and is expected to boast a squad capable of troubling the top-ranked nations.