“We can win it”: Haas confirms Samoa switch as Queensland centre chooses Tonga

PAYNE Haas has confirmed he will represent Samoa, declaring Toa Samoa can win the 2026 World Cup and revealed the family motives behind his move.

Speaking at a press conference, Haas opened up on why now is the time to switch allegiances from Australia, with the opportunity to represent his family’s culture too great to pass up.

“There was a moment when I played for Australia, when we versed Samoa in Townsville. The anthems were playing, and my mind raced back to lots of memories with my mum and making us sing the national anthem of Samoa in the back of the car,” Haas revealed.

“I think from that moment onwards I wanted to play for Samoa and represent my mum’s side, the Taufua side, and really make them proud, and my grandparents as well.

“I grew up around my grandparents a lot on my mum’s side and my uncle played for Toa Samoa as well. I remember always watching him do the Siva Tau and I always wanted to do it, and I used to always do it in front of the TV.

“I get my moment now to play for Samoa, it’s something I have always wanted to do, and I am just privileged and blessed to be here now.

“I felt like this is something I wanted to do for the last few years, I wanted to represent Samoa, so it wasn’t hard for me and Kevvie (Walters) took it well.

“I am grateful I was able to put on a green-and-gold jersey, I will forever be grateful to Australia for that, but I feel like the time is right now to represent my family, my mum and the Taufua last name.”

Samoa made the final at the last World Cup in England, and with Haas, will provide a massive boost in their quest to become the first Pacific Island nation to win a World Cup.

Haas believes Samoa can achieve that goal, crediting Tongan trailblazer Jason Taumalolo as a major inspiration behind his switch.

“I feel like we can win it, especially with the team we have got now,” Haas said.

“We have got great players in this team, and it is our goal to win this World Cup. We will focus on the Pac Champs this year, but that is the main goal.

“I think it is a massive honour to play at Suncorp Stadium against Tonga (on October 26).

“Jason Taumalolo paved the way for us next generation, to be honest, and he is someone that inspired me to

make the move as well so I feel like playing Tonga here is fitting. I just can’t wait to verse them, it is going to be massive.”

Haas rang Australian coach Kevin Walters to inform him personally of his decision, and Walters opened up on the conversation.

“It wasn’t surprising to me,” Walters told The Daily Telegraph.

“It’s been on the table for probably 12 months. I’d like to have seen Payne playing for Australia, but I respect his decision.

“I said to him from the get-go when I got the job, ‘Mate, whichever way you go, we’ve still got a strong relationship and that remains intact’.

“I’d like the opportunity to work with him again, but he’s chosen Samoa, and I totally respect that. The other two will decide later in the year.”

Walters will also be unable to select Roosters’ centre Robert Toia who has confirmed his allegiance to Tonga, while Warriors’ rookie Leka Halasima has also chosen to represent Tonga over New Zealand.

With fellow Queensland centre Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also potentially joining Samoa, it could leave Walters having to look outside of the Origin squads to find his outside backs.

BY SAM KOSACK/SEN