The complexities of international rugby league eligibility have raised their heads once again.
Reports in the Sydney Morning Herald suggest that several State of Origin stars are seriously considering making themselves unavailable for the upcoming Kangaroo Tour to England—instead opting to represent Samoa at the end-of-season Pacific Championships.
Headlined by Queensland and Dolphins number one Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, the list also includes forwards Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui who had been previously linked with a switch to Samoa earlier in the NRL season.
All three players have represented Australia and would be almost certain of selection for the first Kangaroo Tour since 2003, if fit.
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Tabuai-Fidow, 23, played one match for Toa Samoa at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in England, and has since played for the Kangaroos on six occasions.
Haas, 25, has represented Australia four times and is also eligible to play international league for Samoa and the Philippines.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 25, has played six tests for the Kanagoos including the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final victory over Samoa at Old Trafford.
The two-tiered Pacific Championships feature Cup and Bowl tournaments and are jointly funded by the Australian Government and NRL.
This year’s Pacific Cup will take place in October and November featuring matches between Tonga, Samoa and New Zealand.
Kevvie’s first test
With Kevin Walters set to be formally announced as the replacement for Mal Meninga as Australian coach in the coming days, it seems his first task will be to shore up the allegiance of his players.
The Kangaroos are set to depart for England just two weeks after the 2025 NRL grand final for the three test series.
- First Test: Wembley Stadium (London), October 25
- Second Test: Everton Stadium (Liverpool), November 1
- Third Test: Headingley (Leeds), November 8