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Vossy's proposal to fix murky International eligibility rules
Charles Goodsir • August 20th, 2025 1:50 pm
Following Payne Haas’ defection from Australia to Samoa, SEN’s Andrew Voss wants to implement a simple rule that will clean up the confusion surrounding International and State of origin eligibility.
The current eligibility rules prohibits players of Tier one Nations such as New Zealand and England from representing New South Wales or Queensland. No such rule applies for Tier two nations like Samoa and Tonga.
Voss was supportive of Haas’ decision to represent his family heritage in playing for Samoa but wants to see players pledge their national allegiance before turning 20.
“I’m not objecting to Payne Haas because he is free to do that,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Before you come into first grade, you must declare which nation you are playing for.
“You don’t get to put your toe in the water, play for Australia and then move on elsewhere.
“I feel sorry for the players who have committed to Samoa and been with them all the way through.
“Now, one of them loses a spot and gets bumped because Haas is done with playing for Australia and now playing for Samoa.
“I feel sorry for the players who have done nothing but represent Samoa.
“Gordon Tallis spoke very well on this and he said that he always knew which jersey he wanted to play in.
“By age 20, you declare which way you’re going.
“That way, it stops you from playing Origin (but doesn’t stop) someone with a burning desire to play for their state or to play for Tonga.
“We need players to pledge one way or the other. You go with your heart, not your head.
“This isn’t a business decision. Who do you want to represent?
“At 20 years of age, you are an adult so you can make a decision. You should know by then.”
After playing four Tests for Australia, Haas will later represent Samoa in the Pacific Championships which begins on October 18.
