Payne Haas believes it is fitting that his first match for Toa Samoa in Australia will be against Tonga at Suncorp Stadium after paying tribute to Jason Taumalolo for inspiring his move to play for the Pacific nation.
Haas has provided a massive boost to Samoa’s Pacific Championships and World Cup campaigns after confirming he would represent his Samoan heritage in the end of season tournament against Tonga and New Zealand, and at RLWC2026.
And the Broncos superstar - widely considered to be the best prop in the game - predicted that Samoa could win next year’s World Cup in Australia after reaching the final of the last tournament in 2022 at Old Trafford.
“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.”
Samoa became the first Pacific nation to qualify for a World Cup final in 2022, while New Zealand won the 2023 Pacific Cup and Tonga reached the final of last year’s tournament – proof of the competitiveness of international rugby league.
The turning point was Taumalolo’s decision to play for Tonga at the 2017 World Cup, along with Andrew Fifita and Siosiua Taukeiaho.
Players with Pasifika heritage have followed suit to represent Samoa, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands.
“I think it is a massive honour to play at Suncorp Stadium against Tonga,” Haas said of the October 26 Test, which is one of the most eagerly awaited in recent memory
“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.”
The field goal felt throughout the Pacific
Samoa start their Pacific Championships campaign against the Kiwis at Go Media Stadium on October 19 before facing Tonga in Brisbane a week later.
Tickets for the Samoa-Tonga Test are already selling well and confirmation that Haas will play is likely to see the crowd surpass that for last year's Australia-Tonga match at Suncorp Stadium.
Haas and Samoa coach Ben Gardiner are hopeful of a further boost, with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuia-Fidow considering again representing the Pacific nation where they began their international careers.
Crichton puts Samoa in the final!
The Broncos and NSW Origin prop said he had wanted to represent his heritage since playing against Samoa in the 2023 Pacific Championships.
His uncle Mark Taufua, the brother of Haas’ mum Joan, played in the 2013 World Cup and is now part of Samoa’s staff.
"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 said.
"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."
Haas made his debut for Australia in 2019 and played in the 2023 Pacific Championships, when the Kangaroos suffered a record 30-0 in a record defeat to New Zealand in the final.
Since then, Haas has become increasingly passionate about honouring his family’s Samoan heritage.
"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."
Before announcing his decision, Haas met with new Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters about the end of season Ashes tour but felt his heart was with Samoa.
“Kevvy was pretty open and he was very good about it," Haas said.
"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 Kevvy 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."
Match: Toa Samoa v Tonga XIII
Round 2 -
home Team
Toa Samoa
away Team
Tonga XIII
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
