I really wish they get rid of this rule. So many Pasefika players have so much potential to represent their respective countries. Imagine what the Samoan national team or the Fiji pearls would look like if players in NZ were given the chance to play.
I think it was all down to Cathrine Latu (Tuivaiti). There was such a hassle over her eligibility, they brought in this rule after that. And the performance of Samoa, Fiji and Cook Islands has dropped ever since.
I reckon all ANZP teams should allow one import (unrestricited) and one citizen/Ferns-ineligible player. There are many players who may not make the Ferns; so if they choose to represent another Pacific country after time, it shouldn’t jeopardize their ANZP contracts.
