KeepingTheFaith
Referee
- Messages
- 25,235
Some will, some won't. Ben/Manu especially grew up in a league environment where playing for the Island nations just wasn't feasible - they didn't play much, not against decent opposition, and Tongans/Samoans played for NZ/Australia for $ and other incentives. So they never considered it, and wouldn't now until the twilight of their careers if ever.
What I'm saying is create an environment where you're not disincentivising playing for Tonga, Samoa, whoever. If they can be paid well enough, someone like Konrad can say bugger it I'll play for Tonga whether the Kiwis want me or not - because I want to play for my family and financially/career-wise I can afford.
The Simonas, Hurrells, Vetes, Lisones, Kasianos, Ah Maus, Katas, Loloheas etc in an ideal world wouldn't even consider playing for NZ now - if they feel like their loyalty is with their country of origin. I'd like to think that can happen.
It could happen, but how many of those guys would chose not to play for PI nations if it disqualified them from playing for NZ later?
Simona is eligible for Samoa, NZ, Australia and was even quoted as saying if he hàd to choose would lean towards NZ. Vete, Lolohea, Lisone are all NZ born and raised.