Mal Meninga insists he has no issue with players having a preference for second-tier rugby league nations over Australia, saying it brings the best out in the Kangaroos.
The Kangaroos coach has been a vocal critic of international eligibility rules this week, following Murray Taulagi's decision to join Samoa this season after representing Australia in 2022.
Meninga is happy for the game's best names to play State of Origin before representing other nations, but he believes players should have to declare their intentions at the start of their career.
Samoa's team for Saturday night's Pacific Cup opener against Australia features four Origin players from the 2023 series.
The Pacific Island nation fielded five other NSW or Queensland representatives in last year's World Cup final loss to Australia.
"They've got some really good players. And good on them, they choose to play for Samoa," Meninga said.
"They could probably play for Australia, but they choose that way.
"And I'm really happy that they've done that, because that actually obviously strengthens international programs.
"We're happy to play against a very, very competitive Samoan side because that brings out the best in the Australian side too.
"The more players playing for their ancestral nations, I think the stronger the national program will get."
Australia have debutants Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Kotoni Staggs in their backline, both of whom were named in World Cup squads for Samoa and Tonga respectively last year.
A squeeze also looms in Australia's backline for the second match against New Zealand in Melbourne on October 28.
While Dylan Edwards and Selwyn Cobbo will also debut at wing and centre respectively, Valentine Holmes is due back from his off-field suspension for the Kiwis clash.
Edwards was the last man called into the squad in place of Josh Addo-Carr, who is facing an integrity unit suspension for his role in a Koori Knockout brawl.
"It's all about the team now tomorrow night and their performances really do indicate whether they stay in the team or not," Meninga said.
"That's the way it goes.
"We'll go back to the to the selection table next week and we'll pick a team going forward.
"But at the moment, they got they've got first shot, and hopefully they'll grab it."
