Payne Haas details Australian anthem moment that sparked shock Samoa defection ahead of Rugby League World Cup
The 25-year-old Brisbane prop spoke beautifully about his decision at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday morning, while wearing a red Samoan ula around his neck, signifying 'the orator'.
Haas has played four Tests for Australia and it was before the Pacific Championships clash with Samoa in Townsville in 2023 that he had an awakening.
He has mixed heritage, which also includes Filipino and Swiss bloodlines, but his mother Joan Taufua is Samoan and she is dear to his heart.
'There was a moment when I played for Australia when we versed Samoa, the anthems were playing and my mind started racing back to lots of memories with my mum and her making us sing the national anthem of Samoa a lot in the back of the car,' Haas said.
'From that moment onwards I wanted to play for Samoa and represent my mum's side, the Taufua side, and make them proud and my grandparents as well.'
His uncle Mark Taufua, who played eight Tests for Samoa and is on staff with the current team, is another guiding light.
'He played for Toa Samoa as well. I remember watching him do the Siva Tau (war dance) and I always wanted to do it,' Haas said.
'We used to always do it in front of the TV. So I get my moment now to play for Samoa, something I always wanted to do. I'm just privileged and blessed.'
Ultimately it was his mother, who is in jail awaiting trial on manslaughter charges, who backed his move.
'It was more my mum and having her blessing. I spoke to her on the phone and she was all for it,' he said.
'To have my mother's blessing means the world. I just want to make her proud and do our Taufua name proud.'
Haas has spoken to Australia coach Kevin Walters and said he took the news 'well' and understood his reasoning.
Australian duo Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow are also considering the switch to Samoa and Haas said his only advice was to 'follow their heart'.
'Hopefully we get a few more boys over,' he said.
He will play his first Test for Samoa against Tonga in the Pacific Cup clash at Suncorp Stadium on October 26 this year.
It was Jason Taumalolo who switched from New Zealand to Tonga in 2017 and blazed a trail for the international game.
'It is a massive honour to play at Suncorp against Tonga. Jason Taumalolo paved the way for us, the next generation,' Haas said.
'He is someone that inspired me to make this move as well. I feel like versing Tonga here is just fitting. It is going to be massive. I can't wait.'
The Pacific Cup is the entree on the Haas menu. The main course is the 2026 World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
'I feel like we can win it with the team we have got now. We have great players and it is our goal to win the World Cup,' Haas said.
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