Tino makes huge defection call on international future

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui won’t be following the lead of Payne Haas and defect from the Kangaroos for Samoa it has been reported.

Code Sports announced that at this stage, Fa’asuamaleaui has a preference to playing for the Kangaroos for this year’s three-game Ashes series in England.

Beyond that however, question marks remain. The Titans star could consider switching to Samoa for next year’s Rugby League World Cup.

Last Sunday, Haas announced officially that he would be switching allegiances to Samoa to represent his mother’s side of the family.

The Broncos prop will likely make his debut for Samoa in this year’s Pacific Championships.

The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis says that Fa’asuamaleaui’s reported decision is a win for new Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters.

“Huge news if it’s the case because all indications were that Tino was going to join Payne Haas and play for Samoa,” Carayannis said on NRL360.

“It’s big because you look at the Kangaroos middle and it’s pretty weak. You throw Tino back into the mix and it’s a huge win.

“I only thing I would say if it’s only for the Ashes, surely you’re making a commitment to the end of the World Cup.”