Tug-of-war over Mason

Mason: Wanted by Australia and Tonga

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Sydney forward Willie Mason is at the centre of a tug-of-war ahead of the World Cup in Australia.

The controversial player has been named in both Tonga and Australia's preliminary squads ahead of the tournament.

Mason, 28, made three appearances for Tonga at the last World Cup in 2000, before going on to play for Australia.

However, now both countries are keen for the New Zealand-born prop or second row to represent them when the competition kicks-off in October.

Tonga have also included Louis and Vinnie Anderson, with the brothers having previously represented New Zealand.

The Warrington duo are joined in the preliminary 36-man squad by three other players from the Super League.

Coach Jim Dymock, the former London Broncos loose forward, has also names Hull's Willie Manu, Wakefield hooker Tevita Leo-Latu and Bradford winger Tame Tupou in his squad.

Squad: Frazer Anderson (Cronulla), Louis and Vinnie Anderson (Warrington), Andrew Emelio (Canterbury), Richard Fa'aoso (Newcastle), Albert Hopoate (Newtown), Michael Jennings (Penrith), Sam Huihahau (South Sydney), Michael Jennings (Penrith), Sinbad Kali and Antonio Kaufusi (Melbourne), Brent Kite (Manly), John Kite (Canterbury), Toshio Laiseni (Newtown), Epalahame Lauaki (New Zealand Warriors), Tevita Leo-Latu (Wakefield), Sioeli Makaui (Wests), Sikalamu Manu (Melbourne), Willie Manu (Hull), Manase Manuokafoa (South Sydney), Willie Mason (Sydney), Feleti Mateo (Parramatta), Tevita Metuisela (Wests), Sam Moa (Cronulla), Eddie Paea (South Sydney), Lopini and Mickey Paea (Sydney), Fetuli Talanoa and John Tamanika (South Sydney), Esikeli Tonga (Gold Coast), Willie Tonga (Canterbury), Anthony Tupou (Sydney), Tame Tupou (Bradford), Etuate Uaisele (Parramatta), Manu Vatuvei (New Zealand Warriors), Cooper Vanu (Newcastle).