NEW ZEALAND-born Huddersfield Giants star Jamahl Lolesi said he had no plans to celebrate Commonwealth Day.

Jamahl, who spent much of his time growing up in Australia, said: “It was something I was taught about when I was at school, but it’s not something that’s celebrated in New Zealand or Australia.

“I think Australia’s pretty proud of the Commonwealth, but it’s not seen as a big thing to celebrate.

“We would rather have our own big days of celebration, like Australia Day, which is amazing and when I’m not there I’ll celebrate here with a few beers.

“I don’t think it’s a case that the Commonwealth isn’t relevant any more, it’s just that the countries are more independent now and not reliant on the Commonwealth.

“It’s a big part of our history and we still appreciate the independence of the country, we just have other ways of celebrating things that are special to us.”