Pritchard believes in bright Pacific future

Samoan skipper Frank Pritchard believes that the Pacific nations could have an exciting international future, and that dual-qualified players are increasingly likely to opt to play for their heritage nations.

Samoa beat Tonga 18-16 in a thrilling contest on the Gold Coast at the weekend, and Pritchard feels that such occasions are only going to increase in status in the coming years.

“Having games like this, the boys will probably turn down city country, and even New Zealand and Australia; it’s coming,” he told Australian media.

“It’s just a matter of having more games.

“There’s no doubt these teams can compete with England, New Zealand and Australia if they had a fair rub of the green.

“At the end of the day the club is paying them but if they are confident in playing for their country they have to stand up and make the call.

“But in saying that if both parties come to an agreement and let them play then it will let the game grow.

“It just would be good to have more of these games for the Polynesians in the NRL.

“But at the end of the day it is up to the NRL clubs to release them.”