Source: Radio New Zealand
Shannon Mato celebrates a try for the Māori All Stars against the Australian Indigenous All Stars in Sydney, 2025. NRL PHOTOS
The Kiwi Ferns’ stocks have been boosted with Jillaroos’ 10-test cap powerhouse forward Shannon Mato’s availability after her decision change allegiance from Australia to New Zealand.
Mato, 27, wants to play for New Zealand at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.
She debuted for Australia at the 2022 World Cup in England and could not represent New Zealand as a result.
But a change this month in rugby league’s international rules allows players from Australia, New Zealand and England to switch to another of those countries to represent their heritage or homeland.
Players can now represent a nation for which they qualify through birth or if a parent or grandparent was born in that country, nrl.com reported. They can’t though represent more than one nation in a calendar year.
The Whangarei-born player lived in Upper Hutt before moving to Australia at the age of 13.
Mato said the birth of her son Charnze-Pati in October led to her decision.
“I get a bit emotional because my son is half-Samoan, half-Māori and Kiwi, so I want him to represent both of those if he was to grow up and follow that pathway,” she told nrl.com.
She is keen to play for the Kiwi Ferns in the World Cup, which is being held in Australia and Papua New Guinea in October and November.
“If I was given the opportunity I would take it in a heartbeat and I think that is because I am in a different part of my life now.”
Another rule change allows players who represent New Zealand or England and qualify for New South Wales or Queensland to be available for State of Origin.
In the men’s game this has already seen Newcastle Knights and Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga switch allegiance to New Zealand, enabling his availability for the Kiwis at the World Cup, which will run parallel to the women’s event.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
