Forward John Asiata has implored his fellow professionals to represent as many aspects of their identity as possible and to ignore critics like those currently attacking Xavier Coates.
Australia winger Coates has faced criticism on social media during the Pacific Championships after previously representing Papua New Guinea.
Asiata, 31, likely returns to the Toa Samoa side on Sunday against England having represented Tonga at the World Cup.
"There's a lot of people in the game who have two (countries) and have the opportunity to represent both," Asiata tells NRL.com.
"And my message to those players: if you can and you do have that opportunity, take it because it's part of who you are.
Whether it's half, whether it's quarter, that blood runs through your veins.
John Asiata
"It's just like anything else: there's always going to be keyboard warriors putting you down, running you down. It's all about you, it's all about happiness, it's all about making the people that love you happy.
"That's what I've done with my choice and that's what I'm pretty sure Xavier Coates has done as well."
Asiata is no stranger to taking a stand, having lost his NRL contract with Canterbury after refusing a COVID-19 vaccination.
After three years at Leigh, he joins Hull FC in 2025.
“After the last World Cup, I took my name out of Tonga because I wanted to play for Samoa in the following years until whenever my time is up in rugby league,” he explained.
"Mum is Samoan-Tongan and dad is full Samoan. I've represented Samoa twice, I've been in three camps.
"I didn't know too much about my background, of the Tongan history... for me it was about learning about my other side, bringing family together.
"I learned a lot about my family... and that's what rugby league is.
"Rugby league can unite people and that's something I really wanted to do and, yeah, I was really proud to represent both.
"My dad is full Samoan, a very, very proud Samoan man and he embraced my decision to go over but I knew deep down inside he wanted me back in the blue and white.
"I follow Jorge Taufua, who represented both. Those guys open up doors for the next generation.
"If you've got two cultures and if you ever get the chance to represent both, do both.
"It's not about this country's better than the other country. It's about you personally growing to understand where you're from."
The value of varied experience is something Asiata sees every day at home.
"The last three years have been among the best of my life, being able to share my journey with my kids in a different country, learning about myself as a leader, being able to captain Leigh....," he says.
"There was a lot that wasn't in my plans but God's plan is a lot better than mine.
"I've got three kids, two born in Townsville and one born in Wigan.
"My (newest) kid's accent's very strong but it's awesome for them to be experiencing this at this age.
"All of these experiences, they're going to remember."
Match: England v Toa Samoa
Round 2 -
home Team
England
away Team
Toa Samoa
Venue: The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan
