Kevin Walters has made his first move as newly-appointed Kangaroos coach clear \u2014 stop Payne Haas from defecting ahead of this year\u2019s Ashes series. <\/p>\n
Fears are growing the Australian side is facing a looming exodus of top talent, with the likes of Haas, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tino Fa\u2019asuamaleaui considering a switch to Samoa at international level.<\/p>\n
Haas\u2019 NSW teammates Jarome Luai, Brian To\u2019o and Steve Crichton already represent Samoa, and they will be hopeful more players will join them ahead of the 2026 World Cup. <\/p>\n
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer ><\/a><\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n However, Walters shapes as a huge drawcard for Haas, with the pair sharing a close bond during their time at the Broncos.<\/p>\n The superstar prop even came desperately close to quitting the Brisbane club, but was reportedly convinced to remain in Red Hill by Walters according to Code Sports.<\/a><\/p>\n Now Walters will once again have a crunch meeting with Haas after taking over from Mal Meninga as the Kangaroos coach.<\/p>\n \u201cIn time I will but that\u2019s probably not a conversation for today,\u201d Walters said.<\/p>\n ‘One finals win’: O’Brien Knights debate | 03:31<\/p>\n \u201cI just want to explain to those players that are contemplating (defecting), I totally understand their situation but let\u2019s get the Kangaroos opportunity in front of them and see where they\u2019re at with that.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll move forward from there. One thing about the Australian rugby league team is that there\u2019s great talent. We know that.<\/p>\n \u201cIf some players elect to play for Pasifika nations or whatever nation, we\u2019ve got plenty of depth here in Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n Speaking on the Big Sports Breakfast on Thursday, Walters once again explained should that trio defect and represent Samoa, the Kangaroos have the talent to cover their losses.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom my side of things, I don\u2019t have a problem if players want to play for other nations. We just need to get it out on the table and work out what they want to do,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI will present what I will be doing with the Kangaroos and the opportunities the Kangaroos side provide, and then they can make a decision.<\/p>\n \u201cI totally respect either way, we are very fortunate in Australian rugby league that we have so much talent and depth, we can go pretty deep.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will pin it down and see where it takes us.\u201d<\/p>\n Former Kangaroos coach Meninga echoed he successor\u2019s opinion, stating there are other players \u201cjust as good\u201d as that trio.<\/p>\n While Meninga said it was \u201cimportant\u201d for Walters to speak to the three players, he suggested that the new Kangaroos mentor shouldn\u2019t plead for them to play for Australia but simply ask if they wanted to or not.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s my belief,\u201d Meninga told SENQ Breakfast.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not going to deny that if those players aren\u2019t available, we still haven\u2019t got some great players to take their spots.<\/p>\n \u201cThey (Haas, Fa\u2019asuamaleaui and Tabuai-Fidow) are all great players but there are other players who are just as good.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve just got to see what their view is first because if you understand their view, then you understand what you need to do to move forward. <\/p>\n \u201cAll those traditions that Pacific Island teams have is alluring to players, so we\u2019ve got to provide a similar type of environment around what is an Aussie and who do we represent and what do we celebrate.<\/p>\n \u201cWe do it a fair bit in the First Nations space, but we also celebrate other cultures as well throughout the (Kangaroo) program.<\/p>\n \u201cWe work really hard on that because we know that really appeals to players going back to play for the Pacific nations.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Walters also explained he is hopeful of forging a coaching partnership with Cameron Smith, who he is planning to recruit as an assistant.<\/p>\n Sharks in danger as Bears chase Brailey | 02:23<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n MCKINNON: Next move Knights must nail, why O\u2019Brien should walk before pushed<\/a><\/p>\n POWER RANKINGS: Big Bulldogs doubts as Broncos time run to perfection<\/a><\/p>\n NRLW TALKING PTS: Scary reality of Roosters\u2019 big win, only team who can beat them<\/a><\/p>\n