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Kiwis lash out at Josh Papalii defection to Queensland State of Origin side
TIES TORN: Josh Papalii makes his Origin debut on Wednesday. Picture: Bradley Kanaris Source:Getty Images
A WAR of words has erupted over Josh Papalii with Queensland last night accused of "brainwashing" the Maroons defector by dangling a $30,000 Origin sweetener.
Papalii will celebrate the high-point of his career on Wednesday when the former Junior Kiwis star makes his Queensland debut in Origin II.But Papalii's impending debut has infuriated the Kiwis, with former NZRL high-performance manager Tony Kemp claiming the Canberra forward is putting cash before country after being "hounded" by the Maroons."It is totally wrong for Josh to be playing for Queensland," he said last night.The New Zealand-born Papalii will turn out for the Maroons just 15 months after initially pledging allegiance to his country of birth, saying in March 2012: "It's just a Kiwi thing, it's hard to explain. I just wanted to wear a black jersey."
The 21-year-old had signed a letter of intent with the NZRL in 2011, but was cleared to defect to Queensland last September because the document is not legally binding.Kemp alleged last night Papalii told him numerous times he wanted to represent the Kiwis and is only playing for Queensland to give his family financial security.NSW and Queensland players receive $30,000 for each Origin game they play, meaning Papalii stands to pocket $60,000 if he retains his Maroons jumper for Game Three."Josh considers himself a Kiwi - you only have to look at his comments in the past to see that his heart is with New Zealand," Kemp said."If you sat Josh down and asked him to be brutally honest, he would tell you he's a Kiwi, but his decision is based on factors."Meninga last night denied putting pressure on Logan Brothers junior Papalii, who moved to Brisbane at age six."I never really tried to convince him," he said."This is the thing about all this (poaching debate) ... in the end it is your decision."Ahead of his Origin debut, Papalii explained why he severed ties with the Kiwis: "Being in Queensland nearly all my life, it felt right."I definitely consider myself more of a Queenslander."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e-of-origin-side/story-fni3fr51-1226667785983
- PETER BADEL
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- JUNE 22, 2013 12:00AM
TIES TORN: Josh Papalii makes his Origin debut on Wednesday. Picture: Bradley Kanaris Source:Getty Images
A WAR of words has erupted over Josh Papalii with Queensland last night accused of "brainwashing" the Maroons defector by dangling a $30,000 Origin sweetener.
Papalii will celebrate the high-point of his career on Wednesday when the former Junior Kiwis star makes his Queensland debut in Origin II.But Papalii's impending debut has infuriated the Kiwis, with former NZRL high-performance manager Tony Kemp claiming the Canberra forward is putting cash before country after being "hounded" by the Maroons."It is totally wrong for Josh to be playing for Queensland," he said last night.The New Zealand-born Papalii will turn out for the Maroons just 15 months after initially pledging allegiance to his country of birth, saying in March 2012: "It's just a Kiwi thing, it's hard to explain. I just wanted to wear a black jersey."
The 21-year-old had signed a letter of intent with the NZRL in 2011, but was cleared to defect to Queensland last September because the document is not legally binding.Kemp alleged last night Papalii told him numerous times he wanted to represent the Kiwis and is only playing for Queensland to give his family financial security.NSW and Queensland players receive $30,000 for each Origin game they play, meaning Papalii stands to pocket $60,000 if he retains his Maroons jumper for Game Three."Josh considers himself a Kiwi - you only have to look at his comments in the past to see that his heart is with New Zealand," Kemp said."If you sat Josh down and asked him to be brutally honest, he would tell you he's a Kiwi, but his decision is based on factors."Meninga last night denied putting pressure on Logan Brothers junior Papalii, who moved to Brisbane at age six."I never really tried to convince him," he said."This is the thing about all this (poaching debate) ... in the end it is your decision."Ahead of his Origin debut, Papalii explained why he severed ties with the Kiwis: "Being in Queensland nearly all my life, it felt right."I definitely consider myself more of a Queenslander."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e-of-origin-side/story-fni3fr51-1226667785983
