Canberra prop Josh Papalii has committed to play for Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup in England this October.
The Canberra Times reports Papalii told reporters Samoan playes pledging their allegiance for their Motherland was a movement, and he didn’t want to miss out.
“I have put my hand up to play for Samoa. Mal Meninga knows that and I’ve had a coffee with Mal as well to speak about what I’m planning to do…
“Seeing the likes of a few of the Penrith boys coming out and I’ve had few text messages from other players who haven’t come out yet saying they’ve put their hand up for Samoa..”
The 30 year old front rower joins Brian To’o and Jarome Luai as the latest rugby league stars to put their hand up for Samoa.
Papalii played for Samoa at the 2017 World Cup, but has represented Australia since that year.
He went on to admit he wasn’t at his best when he played for Samoa at the 2017 World Cup and vowed to make amends for the mediocre effort the side had put in.
“I guess probably my last World Cup wasn’t the best, I sort of treated it as a little vacation and probably drank a bit too often, ate more than I should have,” he said.
“I’m looking to just play a bit of World Cup for the Motherland and represent my wife and my kids and especially my parents as well and just make Samoa proud.”
Although Papalii has already told Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga of his decision, he says he has yet to inform Samoa Head Coach, Matt Parish.
Papalii will no doubt be welcomed by Parish, who along with To’o and Luai will add to the impressive side that beat Cook Islands 42-12 in June.
Papalii has recently come off a historical State of Origin win where Queensland took out the decider 22-12 at Suncorp stadium.
He is pictured with the Gold Coast’s Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and North Queensland’s Jeremiah Nanai after the Origin win, holding a Samoan flag.
(12)
