New Kangaroos Coach Faces Player Exodus
Stars poised to switch allegiance to Samoa ahead of Ashes tour
Incoming Kangaroos coach Kevvie Walters may face a significant challenge to his tenure before it officially begins, with reports suggesting three key players are set to declare their allegiance to Samoa. This potential shift could impact Australia’s lineup for the upcoming 2025 Ashes Tour, raising questions about international eligibility.
Eligibility Dilemma for Top Talent
Queensland’s Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, alongside New South Wales prop Payne Haas, are reportedly considering representing Samoa over Australia. As Samoa is currently classified as a tier-two nation, these players would retain their eligibility to play State of Origin for their respective states, a situation that could change if Samoa or Tonga were elevated to tier-one status.
Walters Set for Kangaroos Role
The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read indicated on NRL 360 that Kevvie Walters is expected to be formally announced as the new Kangaroos coach this week. “I think it will happen at some point this week that Kevvie will be the new coach of the Kangaroos,” Read stated. “I think it is a smart decision. I thought maybe Wayne should have got the job, but once they made a decision not to appoint a club coach, I think Kevvie was the logical next bloke in line and I think he will do a great job.”
Walters is reportedly on an unusual three-game contract, a measure taken due to the proximity of this year’s Ashes series. “So he has got his work cut out for him,” Read added regarding the immediate challenges.
Tough Tour Ahead
The prospect of losing prominent players to Pacific nations presents a significant hurdle for the new coach. Phil Rothfield commented on the situation, noting, “It is going to be such a tough tour. A lot of players in Haas, Tino and now the Hammer might not make themselves available for that green and gold jersey.” He questioned the depth of available talent, mentioning concerns about the fitness of players like Latrell and reminiscing about automatic selections like Cam Murray and Jake Turbo.
When asked about the likelihood of these stars switching allegiances, Read expressed his belief that all three would likely play for Samoa. “I think Tino by the sounds of it is definitely leaning that way and my understanding is that Tino and Hammer have actually spoken about it,” Read revealed. “They spoke about it during Origin camp with Queensland, so there is every chance that Hammer plays for Samoa. He has played for Samoa before at a World Cup a few years ago. So I think they all will play for Samoa.”
Growing Trend Boosts International Game
This trend of players choosing Pacific nations is seen by some as a positive development for international rugby league. Rothfield observed, “It’s crazy isn’t it that this started four or five years ago with Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo and its just growing and growing.” He added, “I actually think it is great for International rugby league. Australia used to just have to put their jerseys on and turn up to win and the international game was pretty rubbish I thought. But now we have the Pacific Islands, England and New Zealand and I think it is great.”
However, the idea of players switching based on availability for the Kangaroos is a point of contention. Dan Ginnane suggested, “I like it, but I don’t like it when one of the players intimate, if I don’t get picked for Australia I will go and play for one of the Pacific Nations.” He advocated for Samoa and Tonga to become tier-one nations to solidify player choices.
Conversely, Read expressed reservations about proposals to elevate Pacific nations’ tier status, which could force players to choose between international duty and State of Origin. “I don’t like that idea,” Read stated. “I have never been a fan of that idea because then you force players to make a choice between playing for Samoa and Tonga and playing State of Origin. I think they will all play State of Origin.”
The shifting landscape of international rugby league reflects a growing number of players with dual heritage embracing opportunities to represent their ancestral nations. In 2022, for example, the Rugby League World Cup saw a record number of players representing Pacific nations, highlighting this burgeoning trend.
