ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has confirmed the game’s powerbrokers are preparing to review State of Origin eligibility rules to reduce the impact of New Zealand and England’s talents pools.
As it stands, players who represent that pair of tier one nations automatically are unable to also represent their respective states at Origin level.
However, players like Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton and Jarome Luai, who have pledged their allegiance to tier two nation Samoa, are able to play for NSW.
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According to the SMH, Kaeo Weekes is the latest big-name star to have been forced to make a decision between Origin and playing for New Zealand.
The Raiders gun was reportedly approached by NZRL to play for the Kiwis, but turned that move down to keep his Origin and Kangaroos hopes alive.
According to V’landys, Weekes decision serves as a case study as to how the current eligibility rules are hampering New Zealand and England.
“It is a strong argument that if you’ve played your footy in Australia before the age of 13 and you are eligible to play Origin, why shouldn’t you be able to?” V’landys said.
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“If we were to change the rules, it would only be for New Zealand and English players.
“They’re the tier-one countries impacted. (Players from) tier-two nations like Samoa and Tonga can still play State of Origin and represent those nations.”
V’landys, however, did admit the discussion surrounding Origin eligibility won’t come without controversy.
“It’s a polarising idea. When we’ve consulted on any possible Origin eligibility changes some people have loved it, others hated it,” he said.
“We want a strong international game and calendar, and we want Australia to be challenged.
“And we want to respect the players and the nations they want to play for, and the argument for change is one we’ll consider.”
Should the rules be changed, the likes of Kalyn Ponga could play for the Kiwis and Queensland, while Victor Radley could represent NSW and England.
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Young gun Isaiya Katoa also previously opted to play for Tonga, a tier two nation, instead of New Zealand to potentially be able to play Origin in the future.
11 players named in NSW and Queensland squads are reportedly also eligible for play for New Zealand, according to NZRL chief Greg Peters.
“A guy like Kalyn Ponga is a good example. He’s a proud Maori, proud New Zealander and a proud Queenslander. But at the moment he doesn’t have the ability to play for New Zealand should he chose to. He’s a really good example,” he said.
“The other one is Jarome Luai. Who knows, Jarome Luai might probably want to play for Samoa, and good on him for doing so.
“But he played Junior Kiwis and the point is that his pathway to the Kiwis was shut down the moment he was selected to play Origin.
“Samoa is going to have a team stacked full of Origin players, which is great for the game, but it’s not available to us. We strongly support a review of these rules.”
