Kangaroos forward David Shillington isn’t disappointed by Sam Kasiano’s decision to pledge his international rugby league allegiance to New Zealand and has wished the big Bulldogs star well.

One of the form forwards of this year’s NRL competition, Kasiano committed himself to New Zealand rather than pursue an option to represent the Queensland State of Origin side.

Australia had already claimed one New Zealand-born forward this year, with North Queensland’s James Tamou representing both NSW and the Kangaroos.

After making his decision, Dally M prop of the year Kasiano was rushed into the NZ team for Saturday week’s Test against Australia in Townsville.

“New Zealand is obviously where his heart lies,” Shillington said.

“You have to be comfortable in that position because he’s pulling on the black and white jersey there and he’s got to feel passionately about it.

“He’s obviously got a good connection there with New Zealand and hopefully he does well for them.”

Kasiano forms part of a huge New Zealand pack and Australia have also gone for size in their forward contingent.

“They’ve picked a big team and they are going to be pretty hard to stop,” Shillington said.

“We’ve picked a big team, with Nate Myles into the back row and Tony Williams off the bench.

“We’re going to have to match them in the middle, them picking such a big side might indicate they are going to come through the middle at us.

“We’ll be ready for that and it should be a very good battle.”