League: Carroll's Aussie Tri-Nations selection under fire

SYDNEY - Leading player-manager David Riolo says the selection of Tonie Carroll in the Australian squad for the upcoming Tri-Nations series "cheapened" the international game.

The Brisbane lock is set to become the first player in 90 years to play league for both Australia and New Zealand.

Carroll was given special dispensation to play for the Kiwis in the 2000 World Cup.

"It's like 'you made your decision in 2000 so you stick with that buddy'," said Riolo about Carroll, who could become the first player since Bill Kelly in 1914 to play for both countries.

"It cheapens the international game I reckon. It's different for emerging nations ... but Australia and New Zealand play test matches every year."

During the 2000 World Cup, Sydney Roosters lock Luke Ricketson played for Ireland and then-Brisbane winger Lote Tuqiri turned out for Fiji.

Riolo manages Brisbane teenager Karmichael Hunt, who turned his back on a Kiwis jersey earlier this year in the hope of playing Origin football for Queensland.

Hunt, 17, would have certainly been chosen in the Kiwis squad for the opening Tri-Nations test against Australia on Saturday week in Auckland had he made himself available.

"He may as well have played that test [for New Zealand] and said 'well next time I'll play for Australia' and become the youngest test player in the history of the game," added Riolo.

"It does raise the question as to eligibility for national teams.

"How can you play for one [country] in 2000, and these teams play every year, and then play for another one now?"

Carroll told the Sydney Morning Herald he didn't think he'd get a chance to play international football again. "When I played World Cup for New Zealand I thought, 'that's it, Australia will never pick me now'."

Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen leapt to the defence of Carroll.

"He made that decision in 2000 only after he wasn't picked for Australia," he said.

"There were a lot of concessions made at that particular time to try and give the World Cup a bit of credibility."

Cullen called for the selection of Carroll in the October 16 test at North Harbour Stadium but predicted a torrid reception for the 103kg forward.

"You need one bloke out there who will do a bit of damage in defence and he's the bloke who'll do that," he said.

"He'll cut them in half and it'll be a smart move to play him against the Kiwis.

"He's going to be under a lot of pressure. He'll be up against his countrymen who are going to try and run at him to prove how good he is.

"That's the worst thing you can do with TC."

A jaded Hunt, who played all 26 games for the Broncos this year, has declined the chance to play for the Junior Kangaroos.

"I believe that was a choice of his own," Cullen said.

"A week after the season finished he realised he was tired and worn down. He needed a spell."

- AAP