Mustafur
State of Origin Captain
Contributor
- Jun 13, 2019
- 10,054
- 14,497
Not
Not so easy to guarantee when they are second tier nations. These players minds can fluctuate all the time. Isaiya Katoa can play for all 3 of Tonga, Australia and New Zealand. Obviously with Tonga and Australia he is eligible for origin but he is kiwi born so never rule it out. He stated earlier in the year that he dreams to play for the all blacks and whilst that’s one thing coming from Aussie born Kalyn Ponga it could very well mean his heart lies in New Zealand if he was ever to be picked by them or at least more so than Tonga or Australia. Same goes with Karl (3 national teams eligibility) and whilst Hamiso doesn’t have that 3rd option I think he leans more towards his Torres Strait culture and combine that with being Australian born the desire probably sways more towards Australia if he has the honour of being in contention. There is undoubtedly success in the future for these pacific island nations but whether there is a long term success off the back of those 3 in my opinion quite unlikely.
I think it's a bit pre-emptive to think Hamiso favours playing for Australia over Samoa, but I guess we will know in the future because he looks likely off of Game 1 Atleast to make the Kangaroos on form, but his dads side is Samoan who is very much still in his life so I would be surprised if he doesn't go that path for the international game, playing for QLD would be a big part of his home culture I would think. but I'm not going to speak for him.
For the other players it's very rarely they pick other then the State of Origin path if they are eligible because it's the pinnacle of the game which rules out the other Tier 1 nations unfortunately, I don't think Tier 1 status should rule it out but that is the rules.
If He played for Samoa he would easily get to play his best position too, love watching Hamiso he would be a Samoan god staying with their team.