Matai open to Samoa switch

Manly centre Steve Matai is open to the possibility of playing for Samoa at the 2017 World Cup.

The threequarter has played 10 games for New Zealand, but has played no Test matches since 2010.

The birth of his son meant that Matai did not want to be away for long periods with international squads.

He was, however, in line to play for Samoa at the 2013 World Cup, but injury prevented him pulling on the blue jersey.

Now he is open to a return to the Test arena, though.

“I’ve spoken to (fitness coach) Donny Singe, I think he’s taking the Samoan side at the end of the year,” Matai said, according to Fox Sports.

“He sort of asked me if I would be playing at the end of the year but I said I’m not too sure, I’ll see how the body is.”

Matai is not putting his hand up to play in the one-off Test which Samoa are set to play on May 7 against Tonga, however.

With his history of injuries, he is going to use the rep round to rest up and make sure he is fit for the rest of the season.

“I would avoid the Test just to stay injury free and be available for Manly,” he explained.

“I want to have a rest, rest the body and do everything I can to stay on the field.”