Fans call out 'laughable' rule as Origin player tossing up Aussie defect ahead of Ashes
Tabuai-Fidow would be close to an automatic selection for incoming coach Walters with the Dolphins star able to play in the centres, fullback and wing for his side. But just like Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Tabuai-Fidow is weighing-up whether to play for Samoa going forward, according to .
'The Hammer' played for Samoa in the 2022 World Cup, but was hampered with injury and only featured in one game. He has represented Australia six times since then having won the Pacific Championship last year in a stacked side.
Although it appears he is weighing-up whether to go back and represent Samoa, which he is eligible to do through family heritage. And this hands Walters a new issue as incoming coach. The NRL great is expected to be handed the Kangaroos coaching role any day now.
Walters appears to have got the job over Cameron Smith and other candidates, which will see him take over his first head coaching role since leaving the Broncos at the end of 2024. Walters will be looking to help lead Australia to victory over England in the first Ashes series since 2003.
However, his first job as coach could be to persuade the likes of Tabuai-Fidow, Haas and Fa'asuamaleaui from changing allegiances. Samoa lost 3-0 to England last year in their international series, but boast an extremely strong side. Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Brian To'o, Terrell May and Blaize Talagi already make up the squad in a side that is growing in strength.
But Walters would like to keep Tabuai-Fidow in the side who would be in contention to play fullback, or revert to his previous role in the centres, if available for selection. Regardless, Walters is now facing a new task as incoming coach. And the new rule has raised issues.
Rugby League fans divided over international rules
Samoa is not considered a tier-one nation so if Tabuai-Fidow, Haas and Fa'asuamaleaui were to make the switch, they would still be able to continue playing Origin for their respective states. And fans have become increasingly confused and frustrated with reports of players switching.
Many feel the players should only be able to play for one country and not be able to switch after making their debut. However, the argument is State of Origin and the international game is strengthened with as many players getting involved as possible. Samoa will continue to grow in strength and the game will grow if more superstars opt to represent the country.
I think the Kangaroos have plenty of quality outside backs to cover 😂Strengthening the other teams will make for a better international competition.
— Skrindell (@RansomeNick) July 21, 2025
Anyone can play for anyone It's laughable
— Ryan D (@ryand1one) July 21, 2025
Seriously players just pick a choose what they want to do these days. It's a joke
— steven goodall (@goodsey81) July 21, 2025
Kevin Walters set to be named as Australia coach
The Kangaroos are yet to officially name a coach, despite Walters close to being confirmed for the role. The Kangaroos will play a three-match Ashes series for the first time since 2003, with the first Test against England getting underway at London's Wembley Stadium on October 25.
NRL legend Brad Fittler was considered a favourite for the role, but withdrew from the race due to his media commitments with Channel Nine. The ARLC has been on the lookout for someone to replace Mal Meninga as Kangaroos coach, since the World Cup-winning mentor stepped down to join expansion side the Perth Bears, who enter the NRL in 2027.
But after the Commission voted to uphold the ban on club coaches being able to take the role and Fittler pulled out of the running, it was essentially a two-horse race between Smith and Walters to be handed the reins for Australia's Ashes campaign. And Walters appears to have won the race ahead of the tour to England with the Broncos legend already facing a dilemma within the squad.
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