NRL: Eels approve of Tahu in Maori side

Timana Tahu of the Eels (R) is congratulated by teammate Daniel Mortimer (L) after scoring a try. Photo / Getty Images

The Parramatta Eels would have no problem with rugby and league dual international Timana Tahu playing for New Zealand Maori this year.

"I'd be very proud of him if he got picked. I think it would be great for him," said Eels chief executive Paul Osborne.

Tahu's availability would depend upon Australian selection but he would be free to play for the Maori against England, said Australian Rugby League chief executive Geoff Carr. The October 16 game is viewed as a "friendly".

Tahu's mother is aboriginal and his father Tom, who died in 2003, Maori. He walked out of a State of Origin camp this year after NSW assistant coach Andrew Johns made racist slurs towards indigenous players.

The body which usually makes decisions about eligibility, the Rugby League International Federation, might not need to sanction the decision, Carr said.

"The RLIF has ruled about full internationals, but these aren't full internationals, so if you look at the technicalities New Zealand Maori is picked [on] Maori heritage. If that is the selection criteria, he is eligible."

Tahu has been named in the Kangaroos Four Nations train-on squad, but the final shape of that team won't be known until after the NRL's grand final on October 3.

"The [Kangaroos] coach [Tim Sheens] may or may not have a view on whether he needs to play another game before the Four Nations."

The centre is also eligible for the Australian indigenous All Stars team which is scheduled to play next February.

"He could be in the unique position where he has been an Australian representative, a New South Wales player, Maori and the All Stars. I haven't spoken to him but clearly he qualifies," Carr said.

Maori co-coach Mark Horo said Tahu had approached him to see if he could play for the side.

There should be no conflict in Tahu representing Australia and New Zealand Maori, Horo said.

"The fact that he's half indigenous to both New Zealand and Australia [means] he should have the right to play for us.

"I've known him for a while and he's just as proud of his mother as he would be of his father. He does passionately want to play for the Maori which is great for us."

Horo said he understood nothing was definite yet, but the team would prepare as if Tahu was a certainty.

"I'd be happy for him to tie the kangaroo down for Australia if he gets selected, but I'd have no problems about him standing there doing the haka against England. Both mean a lot to him."

New Zealand Maori gather on October 9.