Australian star Payne Haas on the cusp of bombshell defection to Samoa
Kangaroos superstar Payne Haas is reportedly on the cusp of a bombshell defection, but it won’t stop him being able to play State of Origin...
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Kangaroos superstar Payne Haas is reportedly on the cusp of a bombshell defection to Samoa.
Haas is Australian born and bred and one of the Kangaroos best players, but the Broncos prop is of Samoan descent and wants to represent his heritage.
The 25-year-old was in discussions with Samoan Rugby League officials about defecting for last year’s Pacific Championships, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
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An ankle injury ruled him out of the tournament before anything was announced but Haas remains committed to the plan to represent Samoa.
Australia beat Samoa in the 2022 World Cup final, which Haas missed through injury, and the front-rower is yet to speak to coach Mal Meninga about his allegiances.
Meninga is preparing to take the Kangaroos on their first Ashes tour since 2003 in a three-Test series in England at the end of the year.
The SMH is also reporting that Samoa Rugby League are also in talks with Kangaroos middle forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui about defecting but he is yet to make a decision.
If they defect, both Origin players would still be allowed to represent their state as Samoa is considered a tier two rugby league nation.
The 2025 Ashes will kick off with the first Test at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday 25 October.
The second Test will be played at Everton Stadium, a brand-new 53,000-seat state of the art facility in Liverpool, on Saturday 1 November.
Leeds will play host to the third and final Test at Headingley Stadium, home of the Leeds Rhinos, on Saturday 8 November.
Originally published as Australian star Payne Haas on the cusp of bombshell defection to Samoa
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