Haas Committed to Samoa for World Cup

A Samoan rugby league player grimaces as he breaks through a Tongan tackle, as a teammate smiles in the background.

For Payne Haas, winning a World Cup stands as the ultimate goal, and he is resolute in his commitment to do so with Samoa.

Speculation had arisen suggesting that the Brisbane prop might return to represent Australia in the 2026 tournament; however, the 26-year-old has firmly dismissed those claims.

Haas, who has Samoan roots through his mother, Joan Haas, chose to play for Toa Samoa during last year's Pacific Championships, having previously participated in four Tests for Australia.

He played a crucial role in propelling Samoa into the Pacific Cup final with a noteworthy 34-6 victory over Tonga.

The formidable front-rower is true to his word and emphasized that he has never entertained the idea of returning to the Kangaroos.

"I made my decision last year to move to Samoa from Australia," Haas stated.

"The kind of person I am, I wouldn't backflip on them. I want to represent my mum, my grandmother, and my grandad as well, and there is no way in hell that I would (backflip)."

As Haas continues on his path toward greatness, guiding Samoa to World Cup victory would not only be a remarkable feat for him but also potentially elevate Pacific rugby league's status.

Samoa finds itself in the same pool as France, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga for the upcoming ten-team tournament scheduled to take place in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea this October and November.

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