Australia could be dealt a huge blow ahead of the Ashes Tests against England as reports emerge that one of the biggest NRL stars may defect.
Confirmation of the highly anticipated Ashes series between England and Australia came last week with the three Tests destined for Wembley, Bramley-Moore Docks and Headingley, as the concept is revived for the first time since 2003.
It will also be the first time that England have played Australia since the 2017 World Cup Final, bringing an end to an eight-year wait for two of the sport’s biggest names to face off against each other.
Some of that excitement has been blunted a bit as reported have emerged that one of the sport’s biggest stars might not feature in the series on account of a possible allegiance switch.
The man in question is NRL powerhouse Payne Haas who is widely regarded as the best prop in the world and possibly the best player in the NRL on current form.
Australia set for huge Ashes blow with NRL star ‘on the cusp’ of defecting
So far in 2025, Haas has racked up an average of 175 metres and almost 34 tackles per game whilst also leading the NRL in tackle breaks with a whopping 27 after just four games.
He currently sits just two points back in the Dally M leaderboard whilst there have been calls that he could be the first prop this century to win the award, such is his talent and influence on the success of Brisbane Broncos.
The 25-year-old is an Australian international but reports Down Under have now suggested that he has considered switching his allegiance to Samoa to honour his heritage.
Per The Sydney Morning Herald, Haas was in talks with Samoan Rugby League officials about defecting ahead of last year’s internationals, which Haas missed anyway through injury.
It would be an almighty blow for Australia and a certain boost for England should Haas not feature in the Ashes although talks between the player and head coach Mal Meninga are yet to take place.
Despite that, Meninga has spoke via the media and expressed that he simply wants players “who want to wear the green and gold badge”.
Should Haas switch, he would still be able to represent New South Wales in State of Origin as Samoa are still classed as a tier-two nation.
