League: Will Williams choose the Kiwis?

Australian-born Sharks back-rower Reece Williams could have a decision to make about which country to play for sooner rather than later.

The talented 20-year-old turned out for the Junior Kangaroos against Papua New Guinea in 2004 but is in line to get a call-up to the New Zealand A-side to take on, ironically, the Junior Kangaroos in the curtain raiser to the first Tri-Nations test in Sydney on October 15.

International rules would still allow Williams to play for Australia if he turned out for New Zealand A, but he would give up any hope of playing for his country of birth if he was called up to the Kiwis.

He could be an outside chance to tour with the extended 24-man squad for the Great Britain leg of the Tri-Nations and it's a dilemma that's weighing heavily on the youngster's mind.

"If it came down to the crunch, I would probably stay playing for Australia or New South Wales," Williams said. "It would be good to play for the Kiwis, it would just be hard learning the haka."

Williams, whose father hails from Auckland, made his NRL debut as a 17-year-old in 2003 and made 21 appearances for the Sharks this season to help them into the top eight.

A number of team-mates have urged him to choose a black-and-white jersey over green and gold, including Kiwis Nigel Vagana, Hutch Maiava and Philip Leuluai, who are all in training ahead of the Tri-Nations.

Goalkicking winger Luke Covell has also indicated his desire to play for the Kiwis this season which persuaded Williams to give the idea some thought.

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan was alerted to Williams' eligibility through a "football friend" and is under the impression he is keen to turn out for New Zealand.

"I'm liaising with selectors over Reece playing for New Zealand A," the coach said. "We looked into it and Reece is putting his hand up."

McClennan described Williams as a ball-playing back-rower who could also play prop, much in the mould of Eels skipper Nathan Cayless, who has played 24 tests for the Kiwis despite being born in Sydney.

His versatility could be an attractive feature, although New Zealand is currently blessed with a number of quality back-rowers and props.

The national selectors have a number of options emerging out of the woodwork on top of Williams and Covell, with Storm winger Jake Webster, who was born in Moonee Ponds in Victoria, also indicating his desire to play for the Kiwis.

The New Zealand Rugby League is hopeful that bringing a player into the New Zealand A set-up might help persuade them to choose the Kiwis over Australia.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY