Rugby League Samoa on Sunday confirmed Payne Haas will defect from Australia, pledging his allegiance to Samoa in the process ahead of the looming Ashes tour and next year’s Rugby League World Cup.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Haas was interviewed following the Broncos’ 38-28 win over the Dolphins on Saturday night and describing the media reports on his looming defection as “smoke and mirrors”.
“I haven’t announced anything publicly. It’s all smoke and mirrors at the moment,” Haas said.
“Personally I haven’t said anything so it’s been a bit of media speculation but hopefully something will come out soon.”
Well, something did come out soon with the Samoan national team releasing a statement on Sunday morning confirming the news.
“We’re excited to welcome Payne into the Toa Samoa family,” coach Ben Gardiner said.
“He’s a proven performer on the biggest stages and we can’t wait to see him in blue.”
Rugby League Samoa president Fiu Ponifasio Vasa, meanwhile, said Haas’ decision would “inspire” many.
“Having a player of Payne’s standing in the game pledging for Samoa means so much to our people in Samoa and the wider Samoan community around the world,” he added.
Wash inspires Broncos in win over Phins | 02:44
CODE Sports first reported the news on Thursday, claiming that Jeremiah Nanai had also confirmed his defection, having played for Australia in 2022 but then Samoa last year.
Haas has played just four Tests in green and gold but was Australia’s leading front-rower. He will now be in action for Samoa at this year’s Pacific Championships, rather than heading to England with the Kangaroos.
CODE reported that Haas had informed Samoa players of his switch and could debut on October 19 against New Zealand in Auckland.
The decision will put even more scrutiny on current eligibility laws around State of Origin and international allegiance, with Haas a NS Blues mainstay.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow have also been touted to switch allegiance to Samoa, which would further strip the Kangaroos of talent at a critical time in the international calendar.
Like Haas, Fa’asuamaleaui was also asked about his international future on Saturday, but said he’d “worry about it” down the track.
“No. I’ve been in rehab. It’s pretty hard to think about football when you’re not playing football” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“I just want to get back out there and play well for the Titans and worry about that later on.”
Walters told CODE that he had spoken to the trio but not tried to force them into playing for Australia.
“I totally respect their decision and I’m not trying to force them to play for the Kangaroos,” he said.
“I’ve certainly spoken to them about myself and the Kangaroos and got my point across, so I’m happy with that
“I’m very happy with the way it was received and now they just need to get back playing now and get themselves back in top form.”
Discussion about this post