LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Payne Haas has dealt a significant blow to Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters by confirming his decision to switch allegiance to Samoa ahead of Australia's upcoming Ashes campaign. Following Brisbane's stirring comeback win over the Dolphins, Haas gave a vague response when asked about rumors of his defection to Samoa, indicating uncertainty around the situation.
"I haven't announced anything publicly. It's all smoke and mirrors at the moment," Haas stated to Fox League's Eloise Sohier after the match. "Personally, I haven't said anything so it's been a bit of media speculation but hopefully something will come out soon."
The following morning, the uncertainty was resolved when Samoa's coach, Ben Gardiner, issued a statement confirming Haas's switch. "We're excited to welcome Payne into the Toa Samoa family," Gardiner announced. "He's a proven performer on the biggest stages, and we can't wait to see him in blue."
Later, Haas elaborated on his reasons for the change. The 25-year-old, whose mother has Samoan heritage, revealed that he'd been considering this move since playing a Test match for the Kangaroos against Samoa in Townsville in 2023. "The anthems started playing and my mind started racing back to lots of memories with my mum and making us sing the Samoan national anthem a lot in the back of the car," Haas recalled. "I think from that moment onwards I wanted to play for Samoa and represent my mum's side... and really make them proud, my grandparents as well... I get my moment to play for Samoa now and it's something I've always wanted to do and I'm just privileged and blessed."
In response to Haas's decision, Walters expressed his understanding and respect for players with Pacific Island backgrounds who may choose to switch nationalities. He emphasized his commitment to retaining players like Haas, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who are also contemplating representing Samoa.
Haas shared that his conversation with Walters about his national switch was straightforward, attributing this ease to their good relationship. "Kevvie was pretty open and he was really good about it," Haas commented. "I feel like this is something I've wanted to do for the last few years to represent Samoa so it wasn't hard for me, and Kevvie took it well."