“Exasperating”: Mal Meninga Shares His Thoughts on Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleau’s Potential Loyalty Shift

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has expressed his frustration over Payne Haas’ intention to change his international allegiance from Australia to Samoa, with discussions around the game’s eligibility regulations still in full swing.

This week, The Sydney Morning Herald broke the news that Haas is preparing to commit to Samoa, a decision that would exclude him from participating in this year’s Ashes tour.

With a Samoan mother, Joan Taufua, the Broncos’ front-rower wishes to embrace his Polynesian roots during the upcoming Pacific Championships, despite having donned the green and gold for Australia in four Test matches.

The SMH also reported that Gold Coast Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who has represented Australia seven times, is contemplating a similar move to honour his father’s heritage by joining the Samoan team.

Under current eligibility rules, both Haas and Fa’asuamaleaui could still play for NSW and Queensland in State of Origin after switching to Samoa.

In contrast, players like Victor Radley and Jason Taumalolo are barred from participating in Origin due to their allegiance to England and New Zealand, respectively; Taumalolo played for the Kiwis before switching to Tonga.

The regulations state that any player aligned with a tier-one nation outside of Australia—namely England or New Zealand—is prohibited from competing in State of Origin.

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Radley was born in Sydney, while Taumalolo was born in Auckland; however, the 2016 Dally M Medal recipient moved to Queensland before turning 13, making both players eligible for Origin if it weren’t for their prior commitments to a tier-one nation other than Australia.

Phil Gould is among many who advocate that players who fulfil the Origin eligibility criteria should be permitted to represent NSW or Queensland, regardless of their international affiliations.

“It’s a bit disheartening at the moment to hear these rumours and Payne openly sharing his aspirations,” Meninga stated during an interview on Nine’s Today.

“I believe we’ve made sufficient sacrifices for the international programme, and there’s equity in payments and the group, so I feel it’s time to enhance the value of the international jersey.

“If we can come together and reassess the eligibility rules, I’m confident we can establish something quite remarkable.”

Meninga acknowledged the motivations of players like Haas and Fa’asuamaleaui.

“You can’t fault them,” said the rugby league Immortal.

“That’s part of their heritage, and there’s a strong desire to represent Tonga, Samoa, or another nation.

“Yet, it’s somewhat frustrating from an Australian perspective.

“I continue to believe in the significance of Origin, and it’s vital that we maintain its legacy.

“But if we truly value the international programme, we should reassess how we distribute players more equitably.”

Australia will take on England in an upcoming Ashes series, marking the first clash since 2003, starting in late October with a three-match series.