LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Broncos superstar Payne Haas is considering switching his allegiance from Australia to Samoa, a move that could potentially see him and Titans skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui playing for the Pacific nation later in the year.
This news has caught the attention of Terrell May, who is gearing up for a battle against Haas on the field.
May, who has represented Samoa four times, believes that Haas making the switch could entice other Samoan players to follow suit, much like how Tonga saw an influx of players like Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita donning the red jersey for the 2017 World Cup.
May expressed his support for Haas potentially joining Samoa, stating, "I feel like once he switches sides, there'll be a lot of boys coming across.
Just like when Jason and big Siosiua Taukeiaho moved to Tonga, a lot of the Tonga boys followed too." He believes that Haas could be the catalyst for a resurgence of Samoan rugby league, with other players inspired to represent their heritage.
The prospect of Haas and Fa'asuamaleaui playing for Samoa could be a game-changer for the international rugby league scene, potentially elevating Samoa to new heights.
May is optimistic about what this could mean for the country, saying, "I feel like if 'Payno' is that player to move to Samoa, then a lot of the boys are going to follow, too.
It'll be good to see Samoa on the rise."
The idea of Haas and Fa'asuamaleaui bolstering Samoa's national team has the potential to impact not just their careers, but also the landscape of international rugby league.
Should Haas make the switch, it could pave the way for other players to reconnect with their roots and strengthen their ties to the Pacific nations.
May's optimism about the future of Samoan rugby league is palpable, highlighting the transformative power of players aligning themselves with their heritage and contributing to the growth of the sport on a global scale.