BJ Leilua for Australia?

[Burns]

In today's Sydney Morning Herald and just now on the pre-match telecast Sterlo mentioned that BJ would be a certainty for Australia in the Four Nations.

Do we think he will play for Australia or Samoa? It was heavily rumoured that BJ was prevented from playing Samoa in the Pacific Test as Ricky Stuart wouldn't risk injury etc. Perhaps there was more to it?

As usual, would be disappointing to Samoa again weakened for Australia's sake.

 

[roughyedspud]

That dickhead dell was going on about it on triple m earlier..

Sad thing is they talk about players playing for samoa,fiji,wales etc as something you do before you play for australia..as if its like cityvcountry or origin..basically rep trials before getting a green&gold jersey

 

[Burns]

Would like Samoa RL to come out now and do something, make a statement or ask BJ what he intends to do.

 

[roughyedspud]

Told them this on facebook the other day

 

[BuderusIsaBeast]

I hate the players swapping nations as much as the next person. However Joey Leilua was born and raised in Australia so he does have a right to play for the Kangaroos. This is why there needs to be a rule where a player can't swap at all and the first country they represent is the only country.

 

[roughyedspud]

He may have been born and raised in oz...but he decided to play for samoa and as done several times....he made his choice! Australia needs to realise that and just not bother him

 

[lafai]

If he wants to play for Australia go do it. He'll get paid more yeah? BTW I'm half Australian half Samoan so yeah. Semi on the other hand.. .

 

[myrrh ken]

Good on him. He is eligible and wants to play top tier footy. Wouldnt expect anything less from any other footballer. If the best he can hope for playing for samoa is occasional games against tonga and a game or two against top three then the choice is easy.

 

[siv]

Rule should be that he needs to sit out 2 years before he can change

When was his last test for Samoa ?

 

[Burns]

In the 2015 Pacific Test BJ last played. He was sat out for this years test match.

Samoa play Fiji in Samoa soon, a real historic moment for international league given the promotion and attention it received by being underwritten by the NRL.

I fully understand the it's BJ's choice, but there is an embarrassment of centres who could play for Australia. Samoa have the potential and I believe if allocated the players who could play for them, could kick off one of the Big 3. It's blatant self-interest and protectionism by the likes of NZ/Aus to induce Pacific Islanders to abandon their nations.

 

[roughyedspud]

If he wants to play for Australia go do it. He'll get paid more yeah? BTW I'm half Australian half Samoan so yeah. Semi on the other hand.. .

2 things...

1 if a player wants to play for australia..hold out for australia..

2 piss off with the money argument..players are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars a year..

 

[myrrh ken]

You can't blame countries for picking the best. Either tighten up the eligibility rules or offer greater incentives. It's not Australian or nz selectors responsibility to nurture the intl game. They are paid to pick winners

 

[lafai]

2 things...

1 if a player wants to play for australia..hold out for australia..

2 piss off with the money argument..players are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars a year..

1 BJ Leilua before this year wouldn't have ever been in consideration for Australia so why hold out on something you might not even get
2 true but why not make even more?

Anyways the rules are f**ked as is I think that's something everyone can agree on.. whats your theory on eligibility?

 

[roughyedspud]

Mine are well known..

Id prefer one nation for life..but thats never gonna fly..

So i came up with the 4year world cup cycle lock in period rule as a compremise..

We have to start making players accountable for the choices they make...they are either soman or australian..not samoan till they are good enough for the kangaroos...im not arsed if its by birth,heritage or residency...just stick with your choice

 

[roughyedspud]

If i had my way all RL players from under 18s upwards would have to elect a nation to play for,providing they are eligible, at the start of every 4 year cycle..

 

[Special K]

He got shut down by Samoan international Ricky Leutele last night.

 

[myrrh ken]

... he made his choice! Australia needs to realise that and just not bother him

We have to start making players accountable for the choices they make...just stick with your choice

So I'm confused - where do you think the problem lies? Tier one countries or the player himself?

If your answer is both. Maybe it's not a problem after all.

maybe a player with dual eligibility should have the freedom to switch! Shock horror!

 

[roughyedspud]

Do you know the difference between club rugby and international rugby?? It appears you don't?

 

[roughyedspud]

It should be a level playing field for everyone!

Most players aren't "blessed" with being eligible for 2 nations...or 3 nations as some do...

No...players who are only eligible for one nation so only get one choice

 

[myrrh ken]

I don't get the reference to club and international "rugby" sorry. I'm talking internationals yes.

I know England has mostly English heritage players but down here many players have dual eligibility. Think of rangi chase. Incidentally were you outraged when he played for England after playing for nz Maori?