League: Fien is keen to play for Kiwis

Nathan Fien has become the latest Australian to make himself available for the Kiwis.

The 26-year-old Warriors hooker, who played one State of Origin game for Queensland in 2001, has a Kiwi grandmother and is eligible to play in this year's Tri Nations.

The news will be welcome for Kiwis coach Brian McClennan, especially as Fien is comfortable at hooker, halfback or five-eighths, positions where the Kiwis lack depth.

The former North Queensland Cowboy also offers a kicking game.

Having spent the past 18 months in New Zealand with the Warriors, Fien says he has a better understanding of his Kiwi roots and what it means to wear the black and white jersey. It was sometimes hard to escape, however, especially when the New Zealand players at the Warriors returned after last year's Tri Nations.

"Living and growing up in North Queensland, I never considered playing for New Zealand but I have been over here nearly two years now and the feeling we have at the Warriors has really opened my eyes," Fien said.

"The boys came back from winning the Tri Nations and all the stories they told made me realise I would love to be a part of that."

Fien, who was born in the central Queensland mining town of Mt Isa, spoke to a number of people before making the big decision to turn his back on his country of birth and the chance to play Origin football again. Among others, he sought the advice of Cairns-born Warriors and Kiwis fullback Brent Webb, who made himself available for New Zealand after gaining residency, and Kiwis captain Ruben Wiki.

"It's always been there in the back of my mind," Fien said. "I spoke to Ruben about what it means to play for the Kiwis and it's something I relate to coming from Queensland, always being the underdog. And I had a good talk to Webby because he went through the same thing a couple of years ago.

"I just missed out on [playing] State of Origin this year but this is my choice and I won't be turning back. I am 100 per cent committed to it. Hopefully my form is good enough to catch the eye of the selectors.

"Every player wants to play at the highest level and I'm no different. It will be an unreal experience if it comes off and it's something I will grab with both hands."

* Former Warriors wing Misi Taulapapa has signed with the Sharks for next season.

The Warriors axed Taulapapa last month for a series of alcohol-related offences but he was soon picked up by Queensland Cup side the Central Comets.