Quote Ganson's Optician="Ganson's Optician"
As SEB says, dual nationality is a part of modern society, particularly down under. You tell Anthony Minichiello that he shouldn't be playing for Italy, or Civoniceva he isn't Fijian, you will get a blunt response. They are equally proud of being bought up in Australia and their family's heritage.
It happens in every single sport, particularly athletics yet only rugby league fans seem to get wound up about it.'"
I'm sure Rangi Chase is also equally proud of his English heritage but fans don't like that.
The fact is Minichello is an Aussie who would play for Australia if he was good enough, he's not so he chooses the lesser nation.
Same as Rhys Evans if he plays for Wales, he might have the ability to play for England in the long run but at the moment he isn't going to get in the squad so he chooses Wales as a stepping stone.
People don't mind it apart from when its their country being used as the second choice, which is why there was such uproar over Rangi Chase - he would have played for NZ if he was good enough but he wasn't so he chose England.
As long as you're willing to accept there's a natural pecking order with Australia at the top, New Zealand second and then other countries below then there isn't a problem.
Having said that, respect to certain players that turn down the chance to play for 'second choice' team, like Steve McCurrie could have played in teh 2000 World Cup and Toa Kohe-Love was checked out by GB because he's eligible and would have got in the team at his peak but he wasn't interested.
What will really test English rugby league fans is when you get a young English player moving over to the NRL like the Burgesses have done, being a real success, then realising he's good enough to play for the Kangaroos and qualifying for them on residency.