When it came to international allegiances, there was no shortage of options on the table for New Zealand's winger extraordinaire Jordan Rapana.
Born in Porirua, the Canberra Raiders star qualified to play for Australia after moving across the Tasman at the age of seven, the Italians by way of his grandmother, and the Cook Islands via his grandfather.
Despite having originally nominated State of Origin (with Queensland) as his first choice, and a three-Test cameo for the Cook Islands, there was no hesitation once the Kiwis starting calling.
"Even though I left at a young age I'll always still call New Zealand home, and I'm very proud and passionate wearing the black jersey," said Rapana, recently named the NRL's best winger at the Dally M awards.
"I can remember living in Australia and watching the Kiwis or the All Blacks, singing the anthems and doing the haka before the games with the players. To finally get that opportunity in real life, I'm very proud."
Rapana's journey to his mantle as one of rugby league's finest outside backs has been an unorthodox one.
At 19-years-old the devout Mormon eschewed his first NRL contract with the Gold Coast Titans in order to embark on the requisite religious mission to the UK, but struggled to break back into top flight football upon his return two years later.
After a flirtation with club rugby in the Australian capital, the Raiders finally granted him a pathway back into top flight rugby league, and he's never looked back.
It's made Rapana appreciate the position he now finds himself in that much more.
"I got here in a roundabout way, but I finally got here and I'm just really enjoying it and making the most of it.
It seems a world away from the barber shops where the former hairdresser once plied his trade while switching back and forth between codes in search of a fulltime professional gig.
Almost five years and a highlight reel of spectacular tries later, the one-time Brumbies hopeful admits he's still pinching himself every day.
"A few years ago I was bloody cutting hair and struggling to get a contract, so I'm very grateful and very blessed," said the 28-year-old.
"Never would’ve thought I'd be in this position, not in a million years."
As for the Kiwis chances at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, Rapana is buoyant, praising the culture coach David Kidwell has instilled while downplaying the impact of Jason Taumalolo's defection to Tonga.
"Fortunate for us is our depth, and there's a lot of others players who are willing to wear the jersey and wear it with pride.
He's already familiar with new Kidwell-coined mantra floating about the side – "The key, is the we."
"I've seen it on social media. It's very true.
"Ever since I've been a part of the Kiwis he's pushed for us to be a brotherhood, and I definitely believe we are.
"It all starts with us being in unity and doing our job."
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