Kangaroos prop Payne Haas has broken his silence after reports that he’s considering defecting to Samoa amid calls he should be banned from playing State of Origin.
Haas is Australian born and bred and one of the country’s best players, but the Broncos superstar is of Samoan descent and confirmed he wants to represent his heritage.
“I will be transparent – I have been considering it,” he said.
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“I’m not gonna make a decision until after Origin. That’s me being transparent and honest to everyone, so we can put it to bed right now.
“It’s about representing my grandparents – my grandfather is getting pretty old. I’d be silly not to consider it and I want to represent them.
“I’m not 100 per cent yet, but we’ll see what happens.”
Under the current rules, Haas could play for Samoa and New South Wales as the nation is currently a tier two rugby league nation.
NRL stars Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o and Spencer Leniu currently play for both representative sides.
Australian-born Roosters lock Victor Radley defected to England which is tier one nation which means he is ineligible for Origin.
Haas’ looming defection has reignited the debate around whether players who make themselves unavailable for Australia should be allowed to represent their state.
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“Reading between the lines it sounds as though he’s out the door and reports have also emerged that Tino Fa’asuamaleaui could be following suit,” James Hooper said on NRL 360.
“It’s a big moment in the game. It’s awesome for international game and clearly only strengthens that.
“But I do feel like it is a bit of a slap in the face for State of Origin and the pathway through to wearing the green and gold, which for all players born in Australia has always been the pinnacle of the game.”
Former Kangaroos and Blues player Braith Anasta, who also represented Greece, said he was torn on the issue
“It’s always going to upset people and it’s always going to polarise opinion,” Anasta said.
“I’m torn on this, I think every player should have the right to play for whoever they want, whatever country they want, I really do.
“But I know there are some implications around that and rules and regulations as well. There are rules for some and not for others.
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“But I think if he really wants to play for Samoa and his family and represent his heritage then he should be able to do that.”
Journalist Dave Riccio warned “opening a can or worms” on the eligibility front as Origin must be protected at all costs.
“I’ve tossed and turned on this as well but I still believe State of Origin is the greatest product that the game has and you have to keep it sacrosanct for what it is and that is… you can’t change it,” he said.
“We have the NRL All Stars, we have those feature events that cater for all of our different backgrounds.
“But Origin is New South Wales v Queensland. Flip flopping from England to Samoa to New Zealand then back to trying to play Origin. I don’t think that’s the right move, you have to protect Origin.”
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