Penrith winger Brian To'o has pledged his allegiance to Australia, ending months of speculation over where his international eligibility lies.
In a blow for besieged Samoa coach Matt Parish, To'o claimed he wanted to win selection for Mal Meninga's Kangaroos squad.
To'o previously played under Parish when he made his Test debut in 2019, but now hopes to turn out for Australia at the World Cup in England later this year.
"I had a little discussion with my parents and they definitely want me to play for Australia," To'o told AAP.
"They are always mentioning how hard it is to make the Australian team.
"My parents are getting old now and if I ever got the chance to play for Australia then I'd definitely tick that box.
"If not then I can always fall back on Samoa."
To'o, his Penrith teammates Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Payne Haas are all eligible for the Pacific nation.
They have the potential to follow the path blazed by Tonga and become a power in the international game but many players have said Parish's continued involvement holds them back.
Canberra prop Josh Papalii said last year he wouldn't play for Samoa while Parish was in charge.
Crichton, however, said he was open to representing Samoa although he did concede he was eligible for Scotland.
"We've got Scottish in us on my dad's side," he said.
"A few boys like Josh Papalii have come and asked me whether I want to play for Samoa.
"If I had the opportunity I would really like to do it for the motherland and for the culture and who I am. I'd love to play for Samoa."
