Injured Australian playmaker Johnathan Thurston has come out in support of Tongan defectors Jason Taumalolo and former Kangaroo Andrew Fifita going against recent comments made by fellow Aussie Cooper Cronk.

Speaking on Triple M Brisbane, Thurston praised the giant forwards for growing the international game.

“I think it’s great for the World Cup,” Thurston said.

“Obviously the stronger the international game is the better rugby league is going to be.

“Those two boys (Taumalolo and Fifita) are probably the most damaging forwards in the game.

“Choosing to play for Tonga is only going to make the international game stronger.”