THE tug of war for Sam Kasiano has taken another twist, with the giant Bulldog now tipped to turn his back on Queensland in favour of the Kiwis.
The Sun-Herald revealed last week that Kasiano was on the Maroons selectors' radar, sparking an uproar over the eligibility rules for international rugby league. Kiwis representatives Frank Pritchard and Greg Eastwood - Kasiano's Canterbury teammates - have been in the big prop's ear during the week, extolling the virtues of representing his native New Zealand. Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney and NZRL official Tony Kemp have also been in touch.
Kasiano has not made a statement about where his heart lies, prompting speculation he was waiting to be selected for Origin before making a call. An insider said the Maroons had ''gone cold'' on Kasiano due to his reluctance to pledge his allegiance to the state. In recent days, Queensland coach Mal Meninga has stated Kasiano was unlikely to be considered for Origin III unless the squad was affected by injury. That he is unlikely to get a start will only help New Zealand's cause.
''Our belief is that Sam is still very keen to play for the Kiwis,'' NZRL chief executive Jim Doyle said. ''Obviously he's a bit confused and different people are telling him different things. Every kid wants to play Origin but he realises he's a Kiwi, he was born over there and playing international football is still high up in his thinking. We're still extremely hopeful he will be playing for us against Australia in Townsville this year.''
