Josh Papalii pledges allegiance to Australia

[Kieransm]

No of course it doesn't, but this is a change-around within a matter of months ... Tamou was a matter of days. It's dollars, that's all it is ... and if you guys want players wearing the Australian and state jerseys for that reason then you're welcome to the losers.

Say what you will about the players who have come to NZ, they have done it because they have a passion for the jersey and the country. Because they got bugger all money for it.

I will just add that the Kiwis who play for Australian Schoolboys all live in Australia when selected, so it makes sense for them to play for that side (how would NZ Schoolboys selectors even know anything about them?). Papalii lived in Aus when chosen for the Junior Kiwis, going out of his way to represent them.

Your completely right, for me, nothing would replace pride for your country. I don't see how these players can go "Well, I guess I'll play for Australia because they're better than my country." Or an Australian going "I'm not
good enough for my country so I'll give NZ a go". I don't see why players like Fien and Heigington don't use that the better themselves so they can play for Australia! It bothers me to see players like Hayne, who have played for Australia just go off and play for another country when they don't get selected for Australia.

 

[Joshhh]

I think it should be younger. But like i said it is a start

It probably should be. A Kiwi guy that comes over at say 14 is still gonna be full on Kiwi by 20, they'll have the accent, the childhood of growing up in NZ. It still doesn't seem right for someone like that to play SOO.

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It has to be money though, I just read that they could get paid $50,000 a game! You'd have to be a very passionate Kiwi to deny that! Imagine you just get an envelope with 50k in it haha, that'd be awesome.

 

[jamesgould]

Thought this was interesting:

Origin's now worth too much - Willie Mason
By: Guy Heveldt | Latest Rugby League News | Tuesday September 25 2012 17:12



Willie Mason believes State of Origin carries too much clout for younger rugby league players.

Origin's been the main source of debate following Josh Papalii's decision to pledge his playing allegiance to the Kangaroos and Queensland.

Mason, who played for the Kangaroos and New South Wales, says it's got too big.

"I think so, if I was New Zealand selectors or anything like that I'd be getting my **** together because you're going to lose a lot of players and they need to change the rules."

Mason says Origin is now worth too much.

"The money thing is going to be in the way. If Origin was back to 10 grand a game, no one would give a **** - but it's 50 now."

Mason has been announced as the captain of the rugby league team in boxing's Fight for Life in December.

He will fight a yet to be announced All Black.

From: http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/spleg/697638550-origin-s-now-worth-too-much---willie-mason

 

[Joel]

It is getting quite embarrassing imo.