The "I Was Wrong About International RL" Thread

Quote: jonny the leyther "Both Tuquiri and Civonaceva were born in Fiji you plank. Civonaceva chose Australia on the 'i've lived there for a bit' rule. Tuquiri played for Fiji, then changed his mind about where he's from, just like Jarryd Hayne, who was born in Australia, but chose Fiji. Then the Kangaroos realised they wern't as good as they used to be and he was an Aussie again.

Not exactly credible is it?

Ben Harrison is the same, sorry mate, you're Irish now.'"

you should learn all of the facts before commenting, because you clearly have no idea about the history of all 3 players. civo moved to australia when he was 3 months old, he grew up here and is proud to represent his country. who are you to tell him he is not as australian as the other players? this doesnt mean he isnt also proud of his fijian heritage, heard of dual nationality? he made a decision to play for australia and he has stuck with that decision, unlike our friends fui fui moi moi and taniela tuaki who change countries every year.

rlhttp://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/vidot-sidelined-in-a-cultural-void/story-e6frepbf-1225939368124rl

Quote: jonny the leyther "It's the kind of experience Civoniceva, at 34, now wants for himself too. "Yeah, at the moment I'm a bit of a fake Fijian," the Penrith bookend laughs. "I was only three months old when I came to Australia and, as soon as anyone from back home hears my voice, well, there is no doubting that I'm an Aussie.

"And I'm very proud to be Australian. It's why I became a citizen. But now that I have kids of my own, I wanna teach them all about a culture that I haven't had a lot to do with ... it's like there's a void there and I want to fill it."'"

not that i agree with that article at all, but just in case you were doubting petero's australianess.

tuquri moved to australia when he was a toddler. he opted for fiji in the 2000 world cup when he was cut from the australian train on squad and was given assurances by the arl that if he helped fiji out it wouldnt affect his future origin and kangaroo chances which is of course a ridiculous way to run international sport. are you telling him that he also isnt an australian?

hayne played for australia in 07 but was cut from the world cup squad in 08. he was then invited to play for fiji in the world cup due to his dad (who he does not have a great relationship with) being born in fiji. as soon as the world cup was over he was allowed to switch back to australia. the whole episode makes a mockery out of our sport, he should never have been allowed to play for fiji!

yes, we need to put systems in place which make it more attractive for players to play for their countries of heritage (as long as they commit to this country and not play for them if they miss out on their first choice), but at the end of the day if they are australian they have every right to play for their state and country. where you are born does not solely define your nationality.