An international tug-of-war has erupted over the Fainu brothers, Latu, Samuela and Sione, after Bati coach Mick Potter named the siblings in a 40-man World Cup squad subject to eligibility clearances.

The Fainu brothers were among eight Wests Tigers players chosen in the extended Fiji squad, alongside co-captain Api Koroisau, fullback Jahream Bula, winger Sunia Turuva, centre Solomone Saukuru and hooker Josese Lanyon.

Latu Fainu was a member of the Tonga squad that toured England in 2023 and made his international debut in the third Test. Samuela and Sione are also being considered for World Cup selection with Tonga.

However, the trio are continuing to fight to prove their eligibility to represent Fiji in honour of their late grandmother and Potter has named them in his extended squad announced at a press conference in Suva.

Potter confirmed that Koroisau and Bulldogs secondrower Viliame Kikau would lead the Bati’s World Cup campaign, which begins at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18 against Cook Islands.

Fiji, who reached the semi-finals of the 2017 World Cup under Potter after upsetting New Zealand, are drawn in Pool A and will also face the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium on October 25 and the Kiwis at Cbus Super Stadium on October 31.

The extended Bati squad includes 22 players from NRL clubs, headed by Dolphins utility Kurt Donoghoe, Manly pair Caleb Navale and Brandon Wakeham, Eels forward Kitione Kautoga and Knights prop Jacob Saifiti.

Another four former NRL stars – Maika Sivo, Semi Valemei, Waqa Blake and Taane Milne – have been selected from Super League, along with Castleford speedster Jason Qareqare.

There are also three players from Fiji’s domestic competition,

“What we have got is a contingent of NRL players and Viliame Kikau and Api Koroisau will lead us, along with Jahream Bula,” Potter told a press conference at FNRL headquarters in Suva.

Photo: Stor hooker Api Koroisau is set to play in his third World Cup campaign for Fiji. @NRL Photos

“We have got mostly NRL players along with some NSW Cup and Queensland Cup and Super League players. Where I think we have a shortage of players – at fullback, halfback and frontrow – we have got three local players to cover those positions.

“I am really happy with the squad and subject to injury and subject to suspensions this will be the main contingent.”

Fiji National Rugby League will submit the 40-man squad for eligibility checks before they can finalise their 23-man squad for Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The Fainu brothers were last month told that they still need to prove their eligibility to play for Fiji.

“All three are eligible for Tonga and NZ but believe they have Fijian heritage that they wish to honour,” International Rugby League Chair Troy Grant said.

“Unfortunately they’ve been unable to establish with accredited records from Fiji.

“IRL have no issues with their application or desire to represent Fiji as it’s evident they have a genuine desire to play for Fiji and during heritage round recently flew both the Tongan and Fijian fags.

“The IRL has rigid eligibility criteria and have given them more time to provide credible documents to support their application.”

Photo: Latu, Samuela and Sione Fainu could be the subject of a World Cup tug of war between Fiji and Tonga. @NRL Photos

Potter said the brothers had been included in the 40-man squad to ensure they qualified for selection if eligible.

"That's still pending at the moment. We're hopeful of a positive outcome," Potter said.

He is also waiting to learn of the availability of Saifiti after he was sent off in Newcastle's loss to the Warriors last weekend and suspended for four matches.

"I can't wait for the World Cup to happen. We have got Cook Islands, Australia and New Zealand, so it's going to be tough," Potter said.

"We're not going there to lose, we are going there to win. We've got to win at least two of our pool games."

"Subject to injuries, subject to suspensions, this will be the main contingent and we will announce the 23-man squad in early October."

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.