LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Mal Meninga Evaluates Payne Haas' Switch to Samoa

Outgoing coach of Australia, Mal Meninga, acknowledges both positive and negative aspects regarding Payne Haas' decision to switch allegiance to Samoa, stating that it will enhance the competitiveness of international rugby league.

This decision follows extensive speculation about Haas potentially joining stars like Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, and Jarome Luai, who have opted for Samoa instead of Australia in recent years.

According to International Rugby League regulations, players eligible for both a tier-one nation like Australia and a tier-two nation such as Samoa can change their allegiance, as long as they don't represent both teams within the same calendar year.

By choosing to represent Samoa, Brisbane's towering player, Haas, becomes available for the upcoming Pacific Championships, simultaneously excluding him from participating in Australia's Ashes tour.

Haas' commitment to Samoa later this year represents a significant advantage for the team, which recently showcased its capabilities by reaching the World Cup final in 2022. Having him in their lineup for the 2026 World Cup could bolster Samoa's chances of securing their first-ever World Cup title.

"It's fantastic news if you're Samoa, they're setting up for the World Cup," Meninga remarked in a conversation with SEN.