Payne Haas has reportedly chosen to represent Samoa in the international arena going forward in what is a huge blow for the Kangaroos ahead of the imminent Ashes Series.
Sport Confidential is reporting that the 25-year-old is turning down the opportunity to play for Australia in favour of representing his heritage, beginning with Samoa's entry into the Pacific Championships at the end of the year.
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The New South Wales State of Origin enforcer has played four tests for the Kangaroos since debuting in the green and gold back in 2019.
Since then, he has ascended into the position of the game's best front-rower, making the news of his defection a pivotal moment in the history of international rugby league.
The decision to play for Samoa comes after reports that fellow Origin stars Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow were also weighing their eligibility status ahead of this year's test match slate.
Kevin Walters, who was only just appointed as the new head coach of the Kangaroos, will now be waiting with bated breath on the decisions of those two players after the devastating blow of losing Haas.
Whether this decision creates a domino effect around the rest of the competition as players look to this landmark decision as a watershed moment for Samoan sport is yet to be seen.
However, a similar chain of events occurred when Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo elected to play for Tonga nearly a decade ago.
Former Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga spoke to the gravity of the news and the effect that Haas' decision will have on the international game.
"It's disappointing for the green and gold as he's (Haas) grown up in our system," he told SEN.
"He’s played for Australia. The eligibility rules come into question again.
"If you're wanting to see more competitive games in the international space then it’s really good."
The first time Haas lines up for Samoa will likely be when they take on the Kiwi's on October 19 at Go Media Stadium in the first round of the Pacific Championships