Centre Simi Sasagi is eager to represent Samoa and is considering postponing essential shoulder surgery to participate in the League World Cup.
He has made a strong case to play for the Pacific island nation in the tournament starting in October, showcasing impressive playmaking, scoring abilities, and speed for Canberra during this NRL season.
However, his season has been hampered by a series of injuries, particularly a recurring shoulder issue.
Sasagi missed the Raiders' round-24 match against Cronulla after coach Ricky Stuart advised him not to compete due to discomfort the previous week.
The 25-year-old made his return last Friday against Brisbane, where he contributed two try assists, all while nearly playing with one arm.
When asked if he would postpone surgery to pursue a World Cup place, he simply replied, "yes."
"That's what I want to do. The World Cup is one of my goals," Sasagi said.
"You want to play with the best of the best and there's a lot of big names putting their hand up. I'm a proud Samoan boy, and that's the team I've wanted to play for as a kid."
Playing for Samoa is particularly appealing given their roster, which includes stars like prop Payne Haas, half Jarome Luai, fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and winger Brian To'o.
Even with the excitement surrounding the team and their promising chances in the tournament, Sasagi maintains a realistic outlook.
"I'll see if I can push for Townsville (next round). I'll try to push for the World Cup at the end of the year, but we'll just go with the flow and see if my shoulder holds up," he stated.
"I don't want to go push for a World Cup and play with one arm again. I want to represent Samoa to the best of my abilities. So if I have to, I'll get surgery and put my best sporting foot forward for next year."
Should Sasagi's shoulder eventually let him down, he still hopes to convince teammate Josh Papali'i to join him.
The veteran prop revealed he would retire after the season but hinted at possibly playing for either Samoa or the Cook Islands in the competition.
"If I do play for Samoa, I'll try and get him to play for Samoa," Sasagi mentioned, adding that he might need to entice the 34-year-old with offerings from their homeland.
"I think he said Cook Islands was an option, but he hasn't ... said anything."