LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The international rugby league is set to elevate in 2025 as players increasingly choose to represent their own heritages.
The NRL's multicultural representation has reached unprecedented levels, which, while exciting for international rugby, means the Australian Kangaroos are losing another player.
Payne Haas was the first to announce this year that he would represent Samoa instead of Australia, and reports indicate Stefano Utoikamanu may be making a similar choice.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the Melbourne Storm and NSW Blues prop has informed Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters of his decision to step back from Australian selection.
Utoikamanu is enjoying a peak in his career, with performances that would likely have earned him consideration for Walters' squad.
Instead, he has chosen to commit to Tonga, where he is expected to secure a spot in the upcoming Pacific Championships.
Sports Confidential reports that while the Tongan player would have liked the opportunity to represent Australia, personal reasons prevented him from traveling overseas at the season's end.