Kiwis selector Tony Iro wants the likes of Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita to make their intentions clear early rather than later.
Both players are copping plenty of criticism for the way they switched loyalties to play for Tonga.
Taumaolo declared his allegiance for Tonga without informing Kiwis coach David Kidwell, while Fifita, who had already been selected by Australia, decided to make the switch.
Speaking to Trackside Radio, Iro said the way both players went about the situation was wrong.
"I have total respect for why they are doing it wanting to play for their country of their heritage but how they did it was disappointing," explained Iro.
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"Given how it eventuated, I would like to think that those two men I would do it differently next time.
"I know how tough of a decision it would have been, I know how tough it would have been sitting in a room saying' 'If you do it, I'll do it.'
"But certainly get on the phone - they are all grown men, get on the phone and let them know is the right way to do things."
Taumalolo previously represented Tonga in 2013, but the following year, the 24-year-old switched his allegiance to New Zealand and now has played 10 Tests in the black jersey.
When asked if the rampaging Cowboys forward would play for the Kiwis again in the future, Iro was unsure but said it would be disused after the tournament.
"I'm sure they will be disappointed in that themselves. I have total respect for why they did it, but I think they should have done it differently.
"The international game is different and it is what it is. We are not football or rugby union. There are limited teams, however, the game is popular because people know athletes put out there are the best in the world at what they do.
"I mean, that is one that will come up for conversation after the tournament, but I imagine the whole process around player selection will also come under scrutiny."
Taumaolo opened up on his decision to jump ship to Tonga in an exclusive interview with Australian publication the Courier Mail.
"Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I think what I've done has helped the international game," said Taumaolo.
"Obviously with the rule changes they applied earlier this year, it gave a platform for us bigger names to represent smaller nations and tier-two nations.
"It was a good opportunity to make [Tonga] a more competitive country in rugby league."
However, he refused to explain why he did not call Kidwell to explain his decision to represent Tonga.
"Sorry, I can't answer that," he said.
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