Game changer: State of Origin eligibility shake-up
Scott Bailey |
The NRL has made the biggest change to State of Origin in years, opening the door for New Zealand and England internationals to play if they hail from NSW or Queensland.
Under previous rules, no player was able to run out on the interstate arena if they had chosen to represent the Kiwis or Lions instead of the Kangaroos in Test football.
But that rule will no longer exist, allowing anyone to play Origin if they lived in NSW or Queensland prior to their 13th birthday, or had their father play for either state.
Previously tier-one nations were treated differently to tier-two countries, with players who prioritise the likes of Samoa and Tonga already eligible.
The changes will pave the way for the likes of Addin Fonua-Blake to represent the Blues, after his one Test for New Zealand against Scotland back in 2017.
Fonua-Blake could now join Payne Haas in one of the most fearsome front rows in Origin history this year.
It also means Kalyn Ponga could switch allegiances to New Zealand without being ruled out of Origin, while AJ Brimson and Victor Radley are also now eligible again after playing for England.
“Rugby League has changed, the international game has grown and our rules need to reflect that,” ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said.
“If a player is eligible to play State of Origin, it makes no sense to exclude them simply because they’ve represented New Zealand or England at Test level.
“State of Origin is about where you’re from and what state you’re eligible for — not which country you represent internationally.
“If you’re eligible, you should be able to play for your state.
“Over 45 years, State of Origin has developed into something special and we want the best players playing if they’re eligible.
“The Commission has a responsibility to grow both the international game and State of Origin and this change strengthens both.”
The changes come as the NRL also confirmed that an Origin match will be taken to Auckland in 2027, marking the first in-season clash between NSW and Queensland overseas.
“Rugby League is the number one sport in Australia and the Pacific and the growth we have seen in New Zealand over recent years has been nothing short of extraordinary,” V’landys said.
“State of Origin isn’t just a football match — it’s a cultural phenomenon.
“It’s the greatest rivalry in Australian sport and in 2027 it will be showcased on one of the most famous sporting stages in the world.
“The eyes of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and beyond will be on Eden Park and it will be a milestone moment for the game.”
AAP