Payne Haas has defected from Australia to Samoa ahead of the looming Ashes tour and next year’s Rugby League World Cup, in a hammer blow to new Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters.

CODE Sports first reported the news on Thursday, saying that Jeremiah Nani had also confirmed his defection, having played for Australia in 2022 but then Samoa last year.

Haas has played just four Tests in green and gold but was Australia’s leading front-rower. He will now be in action for Samoa at this year’s Pacific Championships, rather than heading to England with the Kangaroos.

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CODE reported that Haas had informed Samoa players of his switch and could debut on October 19 against New Zealand in Auckland.

The decision will put even more scrutiny on current eligibility laws around State of Origin and international allegiance, with Haas a NS Blues mainstay.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow have also been touted to switch allegiance to Samoa, which would further strip the Kangaroos of talent at a critical time in the international calendar.

Walters told CODE that he had spoken to the trio but not tried to force them into playing for Australia.

“I totally respect their decision and I’m not trying to force them to play for the Kangaroos,” he said.

“I’ve certainly spoken to them about myself and the Kangaroos and got my point across, so I’m happy with that

“I’m very happy with the way it was received and now they just need to get back playing now and get themselves back in top form.”