Villasanti Eyes Kangaroo Jersey

Hard-nosed New Zealand Warriors prop Richard Villasanti has declared his international rugby league allegiance to Australia and has been touted as a prospect for the end of year tour to Great Britain and France.

Canberra born and bred, Villasanti also qualifies to play for the Kiwis through a New Zealand grandmother but he has opted for his birthplace.

The devastating defender is the latest potential Kiwis representative to go with the country of his birth, following Bulldogs' cult figure Willie Mason and Newcastle wing Timana Tahu.

Mason and Tahu played against the Kiwis shortly after committing to Australia last year ? and Villasanti may again follow their lead with Kangaroos coach Chris Anderson admitting the mop-headed enforcer is in the selection frame.

"I've only just been made aware of his availability and yes, absolutely, I'm more than interested," Anderson told League Correspondent.

"He's a damaging frontrower who is in very good form playing in a good side. We would be mad not to look at him during the finals."

The Kangaroos play the Kiwis in Auckland on October 18 in the centenary test between the trans-Tasman rivals before heading north.

Villasanti, 23, grew up in Canberra then moved to Sydney to play with Balmain and the Wests Tigers before crossing to Auckland in 2001.

Asked where his future lay Villasanti, who has pace, ball skills and kicking prowess to complement his damaging tackles, said he had thought about New Zealand but becoming a Kangaroo was "an ultimate goal".

"At the moment I just want to concentrate on the Warriors but if I can keep my form up, who knows? I've thought about (NSW) State of Origin too."

Fresh from an imposing performance against the Bulldogs ? where he was the biggest yardage gainer for his team ? Villasanti has another chance to impress the Australian selectors when the Warriors take on Canberra in Saturday's (2130NZT) NRL semi-final at Aussie Stadium.

Former Kangaroos prop Steve Roach is already convinced the man dubbed "Villa the Gorilla" could handle test football.

"He's tough, uncompromising and not afraid. He'll take anyone on, he's a tough man," Roach said, adding he hoped for a Warriors-Roosters grand final replay on October 5.

"I'm a real fan of (Roosters' English forward) Adrian Morley but the one bloke who will take him on is Villasanti. If the Warriors make the grand final he should be picked for the Kangaroos tour.

"You probably need three props and Luke Bailey and Jason Ryles have already pulled out (injured)," Roach said.

Brisbane frontrower Shane Webcke, who felt the full force of a Villasanti hit three weeks ago, is a definite selection for the Kangaroos but Anderson has plenty of options to fill his propping berths.