They faced off for state pride and are about to battle for their clubs, but rival NRL captains Boyd Cordner and Greg Inglis have already united their country.
Two months after a memorable State of Origin series, a grand final will be at stake when Cordner's Sydney Roosters meet Inglis' South Sydney in Saturday's NRL preliminary final.
But the pair have been credited for putting aside their rivalry and leading the negotiations in getting next month's historic Test between Australia and Tonga over the line.
The Rugby League Players' Association first approached the star duo a few months ago when it was initially floated the contest would be played in the United States.
At the time, it was believed financial support from outside promoters would have ensured Kangaroos players would have earned close to their regular $20,000 Test match fee.
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However when discussions fell apart, the game appeared doomed.
That was until the NRL looked at the possibility of staging the game in New Zealand - the week after the Kangaroos' Test with the Kiwis - but with one important caveat.
"They said, 'Righto it's going to be in Auckland, the only thing is you won't get your usual money. And what do you think?" Cordner tells AAP.
For the NSW skipper, it was a no-brainer.
"It's a chance to represent your country, pull on the green-and-gold, and play against Tonga, who've shot out of the ground and created all this attention around rugby league," he said.
Inglis also had no hesitation in agreeing to terms.
While Tonga star Andrew Fifita has been outspoken in his desire to play for free for a shot at the world champions, Cordner and Inglis are just as passionate about international football.
"I think it's the perfect showcase for the international game. For us as an Australian playing group, and for myself talking personally, I think it's a great idea for the game," Cordner said.
"GI was the same. I agreed, he agreed, and all the other players that were spoken to agreed to take the pay cut.
"I would play for free. That's how much Australia means to me, and that jersey means to me.
"The money is a bonus. We put our bodies on the line, so we get looked after.
"But for a one-off game and an opportunity to grow the international brand - which we need in rugby league, we want it to grow and be massive - we have to play this game."
