Albert Vete wants to help Combined Nations All Stars – whether that’s on the field or off it

Drew Darbyshire
Albert Vete Hull KR

Albert Vete in action for Hull KR

Hull KR prop Albert Vete would love to play for the Combined Nations All Stars, but he’d even be willing to help off the field if he didn’t make the team.

The 29-year-old, who joined Hull KR ahead of last season, has put his hand up to be part of Ellery Hanley’s plans for when the Combined Nations All Stars take on England in June.

Vete was born in New Zealand but is of Tongan heritage. He has won two caps for Tonga since making his international debut in 2015.

The All Stars will show their support for Tonga in the international clash against England. They will wear special jerseys to raise funds for those affected by the devastating tsunami.

Vete says he would love to represent his Tongan heritage for the All Stars. But he would even help off the field if he wasn’t to make Hanley’s team.

He told Love Rugby League: “It is definitely something I would put my hand up for.

“I know the All Stars are doing a few things to raise money for Tonga so it would definitely be something I would be willing to help out with.

“Whether that is playing or whether thats walking around with buckets to help with donations or whatever it is. I’m definitely looking forward to helping.”

LINE-UP: How the Combined Nations All Stars could line-up under Ellery Hanley

Albert Vete praises All Stars support for Tonga

Vete praised the Rugby Football League for their quick action to help Tonga with the Combined Nations All Stars fundraising.

He said: “They’ve been exceptional. I had a couple of Zoom calls with a few of them before the season started. They were onto it straight away.

“And they came up with the idea to fundraise and auction off the jerseys and stuff. They were right on the front foot as soon as it happened.

“The game in June is still a while away but they wanted to get on the front foot and get awareness of what they wanted to do fundraising-wise so hats off to them.”

Vete says he has not thought too much about playing in the World Cup at the end of the year.

He added: “My focus is here at Hull KR playing good footy so I haven’t really thought about the World Cup much.”

PLAY: Our free Fantasy Rugby League competition is back for 2022