'Be silly not to consider it': Payne Haas weighing up Samoa switch - but not until after Origin

Broncos superstar Payne Haas has confirmed he is "considering" switching allegiances in a bid to represent Samoa later this year.

The front-rower, who has already played four Tests for the Kangaroos, is eligible to represent Samoa and could do so as soon as this year's Pacific Championships.

The Sydney Morning Herald first reported the news on Tuesday afternoon and speaking to media on Wednesday, Haas admitted he was weighing up the move.

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"I will be transparent - I have been considering it," he said.

"I'm not gonna make a decision until after Origin. That's me being transparent and honest to everyone, so we can put it to bed right now. 

"It's about representing my grandparents - my grandfather is getting pretty old. I'd be silly not to consider it and I want to represent them.

"I'm not 100 per cent yet, but we'll see what happens." 

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The 25-year-old also said it "means the world" to play for Australia, but won't be rushed into making a call on whether he will continue to represent Mal Meninga's side.

If the Broncos prop was to defect, it would rule him out of a historic Ashes series against England in October - the first time in 22 years the rivalry will be renewed in such fashion.

Haas has Samoan, Swiss and Filipino heritage and is eligible through his mother.

Samoa is currently a tier two nation, meaning Haas can still play for NSW, just like Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Brian To'o and Spencer Leniu.

Haas' defection would be a major blow for Meninga with a number of Australian eligible players choosing to represent their heritage with Tonga and Samoa over recent years.