Born in New Zealand but raised in Australia by Samoan parents, the Cowboys flyer said he found himself supporting the island nation throughout last year's World Cup while he was making his international debut for the Kangaroos.
That realisation led to a tough conversation with coach Mal Meninga in Port Moresby last month, when the 24-year-old explained his preference to instead play for the Pacific nation that Australia had beaten in the World Cup final less than 12 months earlier.
