Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is reportedly preparing to pledge his allegiance to Australia for the upcoming Ashes series, instead of electing to play for Samoa at the 2025 Pacific Championships.
The Daily Telegraph have reported that the Maroons star has a desire to represent the Kangaroos this offseason, but is leaving the door open for a possible defection ahead of the next rugby league World Cup.
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The 25-year-old has represented Australia on six occasions since debuting in the green and gold back in 2022.
The reports come off the heels of Payne Haas deciding to play for Samoa, beginning with the Pacific Championships at the end of the year.
The pair of powerhouse props are two of the three major dominoes that Australian coach Kevin Walters, and Samoan coach Ben Gardiner, have been waiting on as they weigh their birthplace against family heritage. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow being the third player in that mix is yet to make his call.
Gardiner, who took the reins of the Samoan program back in 2023, recently told AAP that he is trying to change the narrative around pacific rugby league.
"One of the big things we have wanted to do since I took over is create a positive narrative around us," he said.
"Part of the Samoan culture is that players will play where their heart is, and we also just want them to play where they want to.
"Our position is that we want to have the best Samoan heritage team we can."
Walters recently admitted that he had intended to out to the undecided stars, but like Gardiner, didn't want to put pressure on them to make any other decision but the one that is best for their careers.
"I’m not going to try and convince these players because that will be a decision that they make," said Walters.
It will be a busy offseason for Fa’asuamaleaui who will no doubt be featured heavily in the three-test series against England.
He will also be occupied by several rival NRL clubs looking to secure his services for 2026 and beyond.