Melbourne Storm prop Stefano Utoikamanu has informed Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters that he will represent Tonga in this year's Pacific Championships rather than the Ashes.
The Daily Telegraph revealed Utoikamanu personally contacted Walters to confirm his decision, despite being firmly in contention for an Australian debut after a strong season.
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Utoikamanu, 25, has been one of the NRL's most consistent front-rowers since the State of Origin period.
His choice follows the recent trend of Origin-calibre forwards prioritising heritage nations, with Payne Haas and Jeremiah Nanai confirming their Samoan allegiance.
While Utoikamanu has aspirations of eventually playing for Australia, it's understood that he opted against a lengthy overseas tour for personal reasons.
That stance leaves Walters with fewer experienced middle forwards as preparations intensify for the three-Test Ashes showdown against England later this year.
Utoikamanu's size and work rate would likely have secured him a Kangaroos jersey, especially following the other high-profile withdrawals.
Haas' Samoa defection remains the biggest blow, though Walters still has Tino Fa'asuamaleaui as a recruitment chip to entice players still weighing their allegiance.
Even so, whilst Fa'asuamaleaui appears set to commit to Australia, his long-term international future may remain undecided beyond this season.
Utoikamanu, born in Auckland and of Samoan descent, has already represented the Blues in Origin and Samoa internationally, again raising questions about the current eligibility rules.
His commitment to Tonga underlines the growing strength of Pacific nations, who continue to develop elite NRL players and reshape the international rugby league landscape.
For Walters and the Kangaroos, this is yet another selection challenge just months before their biggest series in years.