He never learns.

every time this happens i lose a little bit more interest in international rugby league.

One of the best backrowers in the world on his day. Why not?

Aussies have been doing it for years.

Lote Tuqiri

Tonie Carrol

Willie Mason

Akuila Uate

Antonio Kafusi

Tony Williams

Does Rolf Harris qualify?

Yes through residency

T-Rex is Australian.

Played for tonga first though

He did in the rlwc under the proviso that it wouldn't affect his future Australian chances, same deal as Jennings. Just a few weeks earlier they played against tonga for the junior kangaroos. Just another reason we need a one nation for life rule!

The only one on that list who could be regarded as a "doing it for years" type scenario is uate. Kafusi played for Australia first, the other 3 played one off tournaments in the 2000 rlwc for another country to make other teams more competitive, which is of course is ridiculous but that is how the leaders of our sport think. Instead of actually developing national teams, they go for the quick fix which does nothing for the sport in the long run.

Im pretty sure Kiwi born kiwi world cup finalist Tonie Carroll didnt represent New Zealand in the 2000 wc to make them competitive.



And maybe born and raised fijian international Lote Tuqiri might take issue with someone describing his representing the country of his birth, his childhood, and his heritage as a badge of convenience.

Just how are the likes of Tonga going to 'develop' if you can only play for them and nobody else? You've just destroyed the interest of any ambitious NRL players in ever playing for them, and at the same time prevented past-it Kiwis from playing for them at the end of their career. What kind of teams would they be able to field then (bearing inmind they are already miles behind even England)?



As for Mateo, he'd be excellent. Personally I think McNamara is doing a bang up job at least as far as recruitment goes. As far as I can tell he's not 'tapping' anybody - he's just letting it be known he's open to discussions and letting players approach him - which means they are already showing a level of interest. He's also playing to the same rules as other sports, which seem to bring barely a murmur of protest.



International RL will only 'develop' if England and NZ are regularly competitive with Australia. All countries beyond that group are irrelevant in terms of competition until that happens.