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Having already lost Broncos gun Payne Haas to the Pacific rivals, new Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters can now rely on a fired-up Fa’asuamaleaui for the Ashes showdown with England.
Making an emotional decision given his Samoan heritage, Fa’asuamaleaui said he wanted to achieve something special with the Kangaroos.
“I don’t want to get too emotional but my Samoan side I am very proud of, and hopefully I can create another legacy of just someone that passionately represented my country,” he said in a video posted pledging his allegiance to the Kangaroos.
“Hopefully, I can change some kids’ lives, where kids from Samoa, kids from Australia, Gympie or anywhere look at me and go ‘I want to be a Tino one day’.
“To be a part of the Ashes tour over in England, the first time in a long time, it is a bit of history, and it is something that I really want to be a part of.
“Obviously, I have got unfinished business with the green and gold in the fashion that we lost in and I am very, very grateful to be on that tour.
“I can’t wait for what’s ahead and I can’t wait to put that jersey back on.”
Fa’asuamaleaui missed the Kangaroos’ Pacific Championships victory last year, ironically travelling to Samoa to reconnect with family.
Haas made the jump to Samoa for the Pacific Championships and it has been feared the exit could also include Fa’asuamaleaui and others.
Walters, who has only been given the job for the series against England, will also be without injured players, including Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Latrell Mitchell.
Roosters flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase is also in line for a Kangaroos debut despite revelations he will leave the NRL at the end of 2027 and head back to rugby.
England coach Shaun Wane has vowed to pick Victor Radley despite the Roosters star being handed a massive 10-game ban and a $30,000 fine by the club after being caught up in former teammate Brandon Smith’s court case where he’s facing drug and betting charges.
There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Radley and he has not been charged with any offence.
