Winterstein included in both Kiwi, Samoa squads

Antonio Winterstein has been named in the Samoan and Kiwis train-on squads for the world cup, while Warriors players Pita Godinet, Carlos Tuimavave, Suaia Matagi and Mason Lino have also been selected for Samoa.

And there are two others in the Samoan train-on squad who have played for the Kiwis: Kalifa Faifailoa, also from the Cowboys and the Eels' Ben Roberts.

It is likely that Winterstein's preference would be to make the New Zealand 24-man squad for the world cup, but it does highlight the dubious nature of players' international allegiance in league.

Kiwis manager Tony Iro believes that as the world cup nears there will be more players in Winterstein's boat.

"By October 1 there are probably going to be half a dozen blokes named in two or three squads," he said.

"There will be some players waiting to hear if they're going to be named in the Kiwis."

As Winterstein along with Jason Taumalolo are based in Townsville, they are in a different situation to Kiwis living in Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland.

"Our trainers will have a discussion with him . . . but I can't imagine a dedicated trainer being sent up there," Iro said. "We'll have talks with the trainers at the Cowboys so that they can get themselves ready for whoever they're going to play for."

Fairfax NZ News / My Pacific News