Jacob Laban chooses to represent Kiwis at Rugby League World Cup

Warriors second-rower Jacob Laban has selected New Zealand for the Rugby League World Cup over his birthplace of Samoa. The 22-year-old received his maiden call-up from coach Stacey Jones following a season where he won the Warriors' Players’ Player of the Year award.

Laban, who was born in Moto’otua, Samoa, sought advice from his father, a Samoan high chief and Matai. His father, Patelesio, encouraged the decision by stating that New Zealand had given Laban a life and a home. Laban noted that his father told him, "New Zealand gave me everything, my career; it’s given me a life".

The selection means Laban may face Warriors teammates representing other nations, including Chanel Harris-Tavita for Samoa and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Demetric Vaimauga, or Leka Halasima for Tonga. Laban expressed that while they are competitors, they remain mates.

Laban described feeling "starstruck" when receiving the call from Jones while he was cleaning at home. He intends to use the World Cup opportunity to move past a disappointing NRL finals series with the Warriors.

Where reports differ

• One report identifies the father by the name Patelesio, while the other does not name him

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and RNZ.