Kiwi Fien Has No Regrets

Fien was ruled ineligible for the Kiwis in the middle of the Gillette Tri-Nations tournament which resulted in the points deduction and was forced to leave the squad and return to his native Queensland.

However, Fien will become eligible for the Black and Whites after the completion of three years’ residency in Auckland, and could join the touring party which will arrive on these shores in autumn next year.

"It was tough couple of weeks, not only on myself but also my family and, I dare say, the New Zealand public as well as all supporters of rugby league," he said. "I've had lot of support over the last six weeks or so and I thank everyone for that."

"It was fantastic to be able to play those two tests. It's something I will always cherish. It was a great experience and hopefully I will get that chance again later down the track."

The 27-year-old made his debut for New Zealand off the bench in the defeat to Australia in Melbourne, and also appeared in the Kiwis’ 18-14 defeat of Great Britain in Christchurch the following week.

Fien had claimed eligibility through his great-grandmother, although eligibility can only go as far back as grandparents according to a Rugby league International Federation ruling on the matter.

Fien said that he wanted to forget all about the controversy surrounding the incident and concentrate on the upcoming NRL season with New Zealand Warriors.

"I just want to get back and start playing rugby league, and put everything that happened behind me and move on," he said.

He also said that he would not try to make a return to the Queensland State of Origin side, as his decision to play for the Kiwis would logically rule him out from representing the Maroons again.

"I've made my decision that I want to play for the Kiwis and that rules that out," he said. "I've made my decision, so that won't even come into calculations."