Kiwis star reveals ‘tiring abuse’ caused by allegiance switch
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is no stranger to copping heat from fans – but the New Zealand international has lifted the lid on a “disappointing” group of people that have continued to “abuse” him over the years.
Mulitalo is one of the game’s great characters and has been the villain on many occasions on the field, whether for Cronulla or with the Kiwis.
Ronaldo Mulitalo plays against Samoa. Getty
The 26-year-old is one of the NRL’s best wingers and has been involved in his fair share of on-field battles, most recently with Mark Nawaqanitawase.
But when it comes to the international scene, things get tricky for Mulitalo – and he’s not the only player facing a similar problem.
Mulitalo has been a staple for the Kiwis since making his debut four years ago, crossing for seven tries in nine appearances.
However, his career with New Zealand came after a lone Test for Samoa in 2019 – something those supporters haven’t let him forget.
The try-scoring, tackle-busting weapon was born and raised in Auckland before moving to Queensland as a teenager, but has Samoan heritage.
Speaking on Triple M this week after the Sharks were eliminated from the finals, Mulitalo expressed the level of dread he faces each time New Zealand are drawn to play Samoa due to the online abuse he cops from disgruntled supporters.
“That’s probably the hardest thing,” he said.
“I love Samoa, don’t get me wrong ... it’s hard when you get messages saying ‘you’re not a Samoan’. Every time I come to that game where it’s us against Samoa, I just turn my phone off man. There’s no point, it’s just abuse from everywhere.
“All of us Samoan boys cop it, there’s Moses [Leota] and Jamayne [Isaako].
“Every year it’s the same thing, it just gets tiring after a while. You’re getting abuse for playing for the country you were born and raised in.
“You never disrespect Samoa or where you come from, but it is disappointing that certain individuals choose to get online and abuse the hell out of us.”
Mulitalo conceded the vitriol “comes with the territory” but as the international game and the influence of Pacific Islander players grows, there will be more and more stars forced to choose which nation they represent.
Many of the sport’s biggest stars have multiple countries they can play for under the current eligibility rules and the tiered system.
Payne Haas in action for Samoa. NRL imagery
Payne Haas and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow have ditched the green and gold of the Kangaroos to represent Samoa, but others have gone the opposite direction. However, Haas has been ruled out of the World Cup.
Storm prop Stefano Utoikamanu played two games for Samoa in 2023, but has since changed his allegiance and chooses to represent Tonga.
Warriors young gun Leka Halasima is eligible for both Tonga and New Zealand, while boom Knights rookie Francis Manuleleua can play for the Kiwis or Samoa, finding himself in a similar dilemma to what Mulitalo has faced.
The debate and decision-making process for players with multiple backgrounds has grown as the Rugby League World Cup approaches.
The tournament will begin on Thursday, October 15.
