THE Kiwis have snuck under Tonga’s radar ahead of the upcoming Tests to pinch Warriors front-rower Agnatius Paasi.

Paasi played for the Mata Ma’a in 2014 and was set to don the red again, but a late call enticed him to switch allegiances.

It is a payback of sorts for the Kiwis, as they were dealt a fatal blow ahead of the 2017 World Cup when Jason Taumalolo led a mass defection to the rival nation.

Tonga coach Kristian Woolfe, who is finalising his 19-man squad ahead of their Test with the Kangaroos, revealed Paasi handled himself professionally.

“He called yesterday and told me he’d had a call from the Kiwis and had changed his mind,” Woolf told NRL.com.

“If he is more comfortable there then he should play for them.”

Paasi is a much needed pick-up for the Kiwis, who’ve lost plenty of grunt up front in the form of injured stars Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Zane Tetevano and Corey Harawira-Naera.

“It’s really disappointing for Nelson, Zane and Corey who were all so keen to be involved, especially Zane and Corey who were in line to make their debuts,” Kiwis coach Michael Maguire said.

“But it’s exciting now for Isaiah and Agnatius who have the chance to debut and also for Peta to again be part of the Kiwis.

“They’ve all had strong seasons for the Warriors and we are thrilled to be able to call on them.”