By Nick Wright
“If those boys feel passionate about representing the Pacific Island nations or little countries then so be it, that’s their choice. It makes for a better product.”
That was the declaration of Kangaroos forward Pat Carrigan, who threw his support behind a slew of State of Origin stars contemplating defection to Samoa.
New Australia coach Kevin Walters faces a battle to field his strongest possible side in the lead-up to this year’s rugby league Ashes series in England.
Kevin Walters will return to coaching and lead the Kangaroos in this year’s Ashes series in England.Credit: NRL Photos
Payne Haas, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow are considering shifting their allegiances to Samoa – similar to how Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita famously turned Tonga into an international force.
The trio’s decision comes at a pivotal time for rugby league, when growing the international game is paramount.
Only three teams – Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain – have lifted the trophy at 16 previous Rugby League World Cups.
Samoa and Tonga have made gallant strides, with the former reaching the last tournament’s final with State of Origin stars Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai and Josh Papalii lining up.
Maroons regulars Murray Taulagi and Jeremiah Nanai have also been a part of the Samoa cause.
Debate has raged over the game’s eligibility laws, with some angst emerging regarding those who play State of Origin before making themselves unavailable for Australia.
Carrigan believed for the good of the global showcase athletes needed to be given freedom.
“Everyone has different cultural backgrounds and family experiences. My love to play for Australia comes from my parents and their hard work,” Carrigan said.
“I love where the international game is going, to be honest.
“Boys representing their culture and family.
“Gone are the days when you have semi-finals at world cups where someone was winning by 70 points.
“I think that’s where rugby league should be, and I think it’s only better for our international game if the best players are playing for who they want to play for.
“That’s what’s going to help with the growth of it, and if their heart’s with Samoa, then it makes for an exciting couple of years.”
Haas told media in April he would not make a call on who he would represent until after the State of Origin series.
“I have been considering it,” he said. “It’s about representing my grandparents – my grandfather’s getting pretty old, to be honest, and obviously, I grew up around my Samoan side, so I’d be silly not to consider it.
“I don’t take the [Australian] green and gold jumper lightly, it means the world. I grew up here in Australia and Australia has given my family lots of opportunities as well.”
Haas’ sentiment was echoed by Tabuai-Fidow, with the Dolphins and Queensland fullback stressing his father’s heritage was a motivating factor to don the blue jumper.
While Carrigan laughed as he pleaded for Walters to “get in the big fella’s ear” when asked about where Haas’ Test future lay, he lauded his former Broncos mentor as the man for the Kangaroos job.
“His personality, his charisma, his passion for any jersey he’s ever worn - especially for his country - is massive,” Carrigan said.
“He knows how to bring the best out of a wide magnitude of players from different backgrounds.”