The landscape of international league underwent a seismic shift in 2017 as superstars such as Jason Taumalolo pledged their allegiance to Tonga. Photo: Photosport
While good for the game, coach Stacey Jones admits the international rugby league eligibility laws are not great for the Kiwis.
The Pacific rugby league resurgence has re-ignited the international game, however, it's no secret that it has impacted the traditional beneficiaries of Pasifika talent.
It began in 2017 when a host of Kiwis and Kangaroos stars linked with Mate Ma'a Tonga.
David Fifita, Michael Jennings, Manu Vatuvai, Manu Ma'u, David Fusitu'a, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, and Jason Taumalolo set the global game alight by honouring their Tongan heritage ahead of the World Cup.
This opened the floodgates for players to switch allegiances, Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Addin Fonua-Blake, Kotoni Staggs, Josh Papali'i, Jaydn Su'A, Payne Haas, Paul Alamoti, Chanel Harris-Tavita among some of the most significant names to choose the red or blue over black and white or green and gold.
Jones said there was no doubt the laws were hurting the Kiwis depth.
"It's good for the international game. Obviously we're a bit hindered with our players not being eligible for origin too, makes it a little bit harder because I know there's some players that can play for New Zealand that choose to be available for origin, so that's the disappointing thing and hopefully they can clean that area up."
Players are currently permitted to play for both a State of Origin side and any nation other than Australia, England, or New Zealand.
Jones said it was a difficult task to juggle.
"They've got to ultimately make that decision for themselves, but I'm wearing the Kiwi jersey and carrying that flag, and I've got to paint the best pitch I can. So it comes down to the personal preference, family and all that plays a big part of it."
Warriors superstar and 20-test Kiwi Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will also suit up for Toa Samoa in this year's Pacific Championships.
"Roger's passionate. I knew he was passionate about the jersey when he played for the Kiwis, but Samoa is his culture."
Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry has been fighting similar battles.
"You've got to have the passion for the jersey first, that's where it starts. I always talk about where you're from, your family, how you relate back to New Zealand and then get a bit of a feel from that and then at the end of the day they've got to make a decision that's right for them, but also we've got to make a decision about what's right for us here at the Kiwi Ferns."
Henry selected five debutants in his squad for the Pacific Championships, two of whom were also eligible for Fetu Samoa in Tysha Ikenasio and Ivana Lauitiiti.
"They chose us, and we are really excited about that. All I can ask is that they go out there and play their best football in the black and white jersey."
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