AdminKevin Walters has made his initial objective as the newly appointed coach of the Kangaroos evident — prevent Payne Haas from switching allegiance prior to this year’s Ashes series.
Concerns are rising that Australia’s team might experience a significant departure of elite players, with individuals such as Haas, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui contemplating a move to represent Samoa on the international stage.
Haas’ teammates from New South Wales, Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, and Steve Crichton, already play for Samoa, and they will be optimistic about attracting more players to join them ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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However, Walters is a significant influence on Haas, given their strong connection formed during their time together at the Broncos. The talented prop was very near to leaving the Brisbane club, but it is believed that Walters persuaded him to stay in Red Hill, according to Code Sports.
Now, Walters will once more engage in an important discussion with Haas following his succession of Mal Meninga as the Kangaroos head coach.
“In time I will, but that’s not a discussion for today,” Walters remarked. “We need to first understand their perspective because understanding their viewpoint is crucial to determine how to move ahead.
“All the traditions associated with Pacific Island teams are appealing to players, so it’s essential we create a similar atmosphere that defines what it means to be Australian, whom we represent, and what we celebrate.
“We emphasize this quite a bit in the First Nations context but also honor various cultures throughout the (Kangaroo) program.
“We put a lot of effort into this, knowing it resonates well with players aiming to return to play for the Pacific nations. “
“I just want to clarify to those players who are thinking about defecting that I fully appreciate their position, but let’s present the opportunity with the Kangaroos and gauge their interest.
“From there, we can progress. One undeniable fact about the Australian rugby league team is the vast pool of talent available. We are aware of this.
“If some players decide to represent Pasifika nations or any other country, we still have substantial depth within Australia. “
In a conversation on the Big Sports Breakfast on Thursday, Walters reiterated that if those three players were to switch their allegiance and play for Samoa, the Kangaroos have ample talent to mitigate their absence.
“From my perspective, I have no objections if players choose to compete for other nations. We just need to lay everything out in the open and figure out what they wish to pursue,” he stated.
“I will outline my plans for the Kangaroos and the opportunities the Kangaroos offer, after which they can make their decision. “
“I absolutely respect whatever direction we take. In Australian rugby league, we are incredibly fortunate to possess a wealth of talent and depth, allowing us to explore many options.
“We will narrow it down and observe where it leads us.”
Former Kangaroos coach Meninga reiterated his successor’s perspective, noting that other players are “equally proficient” as that trio.
Meninga mentioned that while it is “crucial” for Walters to have a discussion with those three players, he recommended that the new Kangaroos coach should not beg them to represent Australia but simply inquire if they are interested or not.
“That’s my viewpoint,” Meninga stated during SENQ Breakfast.
“We acknowledge that if those players are unavailable, we still have excellent athletes ready to fill their roles.
“Haas, Fa’asuamaleaui, and Tabuai-Fidow are all outstanding talents, yet there are additional players who match their quality.
“We need to understand their perspectives first, as knowing their views will inform how we can proceed.
“The traditions upheld by Pacific Island teams are appealing to athletes, so we must create a comparable environment that defines what it means to be Australian, whom we represent, and what we take pride in.
“We do this extensively in the First Nations context, while also honoring various cultures within the (Kangaroo) program.
“We invest considerable effort in this aspect because we realize that it resonates deeply with players wishing to return to play for Pacific nations. ”
In the meantime, Walters expressed his aspirations of establishing a coaching collaboration with Cameron Smith, whom he aims to bring on board as an assistant.
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