For Cowboys forward Jeremiah Nanai, the chance to represent Samoa is about family, culture and following in the footsteps of those who changed the international game.
Nanai made the call last year to wear the blue of Samoa after featuring in two Tests for Australia in 2022, and he hasn’t looked back.
Now, with Payne Haas confirming he will also pledge his allegiance to Samoa for the next two years, Nanai is buzzing at the thought of running out alongside one of the world’s best forwards.
“I’m very excited to have Payne Haas come represent Samoa," Nanai told 94ddz.com. "Hopefully we get a good team together and it’ll be great.”
Haas joins Nanai, Cowboys team-mate Murray Taulagi and Warriors superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in making the switch; part of a growing movement of tier-one stars choosing heritage over the Kangaroos or Kiwis.
It echoes Jason Taumalolo’s ground-breaking decision in 2017 to represent Tonga, a moment widely seen as the catalyst for the rise of Pacific nations, including Samoa, who qualified for the World Cup final in 2022.
Nanai admits Taumalolo, his Cowboys teammate and idol growing up, helped inspire his own decision.
“Definitely it did. Growing up, I was watching him; he was one of my favourite idols,” Nanai said.
“When he moved from New Zealand to Tonga to represent his country, that made me feel like I can do it too. It makes other boys think that way as well.
“Other boys coming through don’t always have to play for Australia; there are other teams.”
For Nanai, pulling on the Samoan jersey for the first time last year was a career highlight and a chance to honour both sides of his family.
Jeremiah Nanai Try
“It was a big move, but I just felt in my heart I wanted to play for Samoa,” he said.
“After I represented Australia I wanted to represent my dad and my mum’s side too. It was good to play for Samoa in that series in England, and I can’t wait to do it again this year.”
Speculation continues around whether Tino Fa’asuamaleaui could follow suit, but for now, Nanai is simply focused on what Haas brings to the group.
“It’s definitely up to Tino, wherever his heart goes, I’ll back him, whether it’s Australia or Samoa.
"But if he does come back and play for Samoa, I’ll be excited.”
Māori and Pasifika Pioneers: Jason Taumalolo
The stage is set for another massive Pacific Championships clash later this year, with Samoa to face Tonga at Suncorp Stadium on October 26.
For Nanai, it will be a special occasion as he takes on Cowboys teammate Taumalolo for the first time at international level.
“I can’t wait to play against him, it’ll be my first time,” Nanai said. “Hopefully we’ll get a really good match.”
While Taumalolo, now 32, continues to make his mark despite an injury-interrupted season, Nanai has stepped up in his absence for the Cowboys, scoring eight tries and cementing his status as a leader of the next generation.
“It’s good to have him back on deck again. He brings confidence to our team,” Nanai said.
As the international calendar grows in stature, Nanai believes more players will continue to follow their hearts, strengthening the global game in the process.
Match: Toa Samoa v Tonga XIII
Round 2 -
home Team
Toa Samoa
away Team
Tonga XIII
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
