Warriors prop opts for Samoa

Wigan prop Iafeta Palea’aesina has turned his back on New Zealand by opting to help Samoa qualify for the 2008 World Cup.

The 25-year-old former New Zealand Warrior, who has won three caps for the Kiwis, was today successful in his application to the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) to switch his eligibility.

Former Warrington stand-off Nigel Vagana, who retired from Test rugby after last November’s Tri-Nations final, has also been given the green light to play for Samoa, along with another experienced Kiwi international, Penrith forward Tony Puleta.

Palea’aesina’s Wigan team-mate Harrison Hansen, who has yet to make his Test debut for New Zealand, is also considering throwing in his lot with Samoa.

The players argued they have strong cultural and family ties to Samoa and previously represented New Zealand because of the lack of opportunities to play for Samoa in international competition.

“The World Cup is a chance for these players to demonstrate commitment to their heritage and the RLIF executive has accepted that position,” said chairman Colin Love.

“The New Zealand Rugby League has added its support to their request.”

The news is a boost for Samoa, who failed to qualify automatically for the World Cup from the Pacific Islands group but have another chance through the repechage.

They will play the United States at Widnes on November 9 for a place in the repechage final at Wakefield five days later.

The RLIF also ruled that Fuifui Moimoi and Taneila Tuiaki, who played for Tonga in World Cup qualifying, can now represent New Zealand, starting with the Test against Australia on Sunday week and the historic All Golds tour of Britain.

“We were confident everything was in order but the NZRL also had a process to go through with the RLIF,” said Kiwi coach Gary Kemble.

“While it took a while for the decision to be made, we’re pleased it has worked out the way we expected it to. Now Fuifui and Taniela can get on with preparing for their Kiwi Test debuts in the Centenary Test.”

The RLIF made the ruling after Tonga coach Jim Dymock said he would not raise any objections.