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.
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