Fiji loses Fainu brothers for World Cup due to heritage issues

Fiji's World Cup hopes are diminished as the Fainu brothers—Siona, Samuela, and Latu—are ruled out. The players failed to provide proof of their Fijian heritage, leading to their exclusion from the squad. Despite this setback, Fiji has named a strong 40-man preliminary squad, including NRL talents like Apisai Koroisau and Viliame Kikau. Fiji will begin its World Cup campaign against the Cook Islands in Newcastle followed by matches against Australia and New Zealand in the group stage. The Fainu brothers may still play for Tonga, but competition for spots could be fierce.

• 3:40 AMZero Tackle NRL — Fiji suffer major World Cup blow with star trio ruled out