Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has pledged his international allegiance to Australia for the World Cup.
Despite playing seven Tests for Australia to date, Fa’asuamaleaui is also eligible to play for Samoa and had toyed with the idea of representing his father’s heritage.
However, according to NRL reporter Pete Badel, Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters
confirmed the Titans star has committed to Australia ahead of the Rugby League World Cup.
“I’ve had chats with Tino. He is playing for Australia,” Walters said, according to Badel.
Fa’asuamaleaui made his Test debut for Samoa in 2019 before being picked for the Kangaroos.
However, despite recommitting to Australia ahead of the Ashes series last year, Fa’asuamaleaui was said to have been weighing up representing Samoa in the upcoming World Cup.
Announcing he would represent Australia last year, Fa’asuamaleaui said: “I don’t want to get too emotional, but my Samoan side I am very proud of, and hopefully I can create another legacy of just someone that passionately represented my country.
“Hopefully I can change some kids’ lives, where kids from Samoa, kids from Australia, Gympie or anywhere look at me and go I want to be a Tino one day.”
The father of three girls previously said the decision on his international allegiance was being made tougher by his children, with his daughters wanting him to wear the blue jersey again.
“My daughters wanted me to represent Samoa,” he told AAP last year.
“That is what made the decision hard. I’m very proud of my Samoan culture, my last name and all my family back in Samoa. I’m still representing them every time I run out. Who I am doesn’t change because of the jersey I wear.
“Just because I’m playing for the green and gold doesn’t mean I’m less passionate about Samoa. I love my Samoan family. They all support me no matter what. They know who I am.”
Originally published as Tino Fa’asuamaleaui makes Kangaroos call ahead of Rugby League World Cup