Michael Jennings is disappointed that politics might have robbed him of a Kangaroos jersey, although the Penrith star has no regrets about joining the Tongan camp.

Jennings, selected in the initial 46-man Australian squad, appeared a logical Kangaroos replacement after Justin Hodges and Matt Cooper were ruled out through injury. However, ARL boss Geoff Carr indicated he didn't want Australian selectors to further "interfere with the preparations of other teams" after Anthony Tupou was wrenched from Tongan camp to fill in for injured Roos forward Michael Crocker.

Jennings admitted he was initially disappointed to be overlooked for Australia, although he has now developed a bond with his Tongan teammates. "At the start of the year I preferred to be in Australia, that was my goal," he said.

"If I got the chance I would definitely play for them, but I've mixed up with all the boys here and I feel more comfortable.

"Coming into the camp with the Tongan team has probably opened my eyes and now I've moved on.

"It's pretty weird, but you just block it out and get used to the boys you're training with, it's pretty good.

"It would feel weird [to switch], just with all the friendships I've created here with all the boys."

Speaking before Tonga's 56-8 loss to New Zealand yesterday, Jennings said that an ARL official would be in touch with him over eligibility issues after the match.

"They gave me a ring [last week], but they said somebody was going to talk to me after the game on Saturday," he said. "I'm not sure on that at the moment."

Asked his preference if given the opportunity to switch back to Australia, Jennings said: "It's in my head, I'm questioning it all the time.

"I'm preferring Tonga at the moment."