Toa Samoa wing Antonio Winterstein says the loosening of eligibility rules is a positive step for international rugby league.
Brisbane Broncos stand-off Anthony Milford will pull on the Samoan jumper for the first time in four years in Saturday's Pacific Test against England at Campbelltown Stadium.
Club teammate Josh McGuire will also wear blue, two years after his last test for the Toa and less than 12 months after representing both Queensland and Australia.
Anthony Milford starred for Samoa at the 2013 World Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Under the previous rules, Milford would have been required to commit his international eligibility to Samoa and then make an election change to Australia, after the Pacific Test, to be considered for Queensland State of Origin or Kangaroos selection later this year.
That would also have ruled him out of switching back to Samoa for the World Cup if he was overlooked for the green and gold.
Having represented the Kangaroos and Maroons in 2016, McGuire would have been required to make an election change to play for Samoa and would have been ineligible to switch back prior to October's Rugby League World Cup, forgoing the opportunity to play State of Origin or for his country of birth at a World Cup, and the financial benefits that go with both.
Josh McGuire playing for Queensland in June 2016. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Antonio Winterstein said the changes made by the International Rugby League Federation last year, which allow eligble players to switch freely between tier one and tier nations, are a major boost for Pacific Islands countries.
"If they want to grow the game they've got to allow stars like Anthony Milford and Josh McGuire to play for their second tier countries, if not pick this country first, so it's really good to have them on board" he said.
"They've worn the jersey before, they know how much passion is involved so they're really looking forward to representing their countries and families.
"It's a big benefit to the game and for Samoa."
Antonio Winterstein (c) celebrates his try against England in 2014, with Josh McGuire (L) in the background. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand-born Winterstein was called-up to the Kiwis squad in 2010 but never played for his country of birth.
He debuted for Samoa in 2013 and starred for the Toa at the World Cup in the United Kingdom.
The North Queensland Cowboys flyer scored for Samoa in last year's Pacific Test victory over Tonga and said the team was relishing the chance to play against England this time around.
"It's a good opportunity for us to show what we've got coming to a World Cup," he said.
"Now that we've got some good young boys coming through that are really passionate about wearing the jersey and it's another good way to grow the game as well: Pacific and internationally.
"It's a good stepping stone to the World Cup and this is a test match so we will be putting our bodies on the line to get a result," said the 28 year old.
Winterstein said Samoa believe they can beat England and will only get more competitive the more they play against tier one nations.
Samoa were too strong for Tonga in the 2016 Pacific Test. Photo: Facebook / NRL - National Rugby League
