New State of Origin Eligibility Rules

S

Seano

Tony Butterfield
CORE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

- The player was born in New South Wales or Queensland; or

- The player resided in New South Wales or Queensland prior to their 13th birthday; or

- The player’s father played State of Origin.

Means players like KP can play for QLD and NZ, Victor Radley can get selected for the Blues (for the one game before he gets concussed) and England.

A great move by the NRL that will strengthen the international game. Nice work by St Peter V in recognising the importance of international Rugby League to the growth of the game.

But does this now change things for players in the Greg Inglis situation? Eg. born in NSW but resided in QLD and played Jr rep for QLD (as would happen for most families moving interstate). Personally don't have a problem with them choosing, but if you go from top down on eligibility obviously where you're born comes first.

www.foxsports.com.au

BREAKING: NRL confirms shock Origin eligibility overhaul, big international revolution

BREAKING: NRL confirms bombshell State of Origin eligibility overhaul
www.foxsports.com.au www.foxsports.com.au
 
Think it's a logical move. Reaction I've seen on social media has been people blowing up that it's now just open for everyone which isn't the case. There's still the same requirements to be eligible as before. Players who met the previous Origin requirements but also have eligibility for other nations are now free to play for both. Not like Dom Young is suddenly going to eligible for the Blues.

I know there are traditionalists who think it should always be connected to the Kangaroos but personally that's not something I care about. Makes perfect sense to me for someone who grew up in NSW/QLD to Kiwi/Samoan/Tongan/English parents to be able to represent both freely.

I could be wrong but I don't think this move immediately opens things up for Ponga. Part of his issue was that he already represented Australia in the 9s in 2019 which would still need to be sorted out separately. Probably gives him more motivation to get that done, though.
 
The NRL making logical decisions wtf is this?

About time, absolutely no reason a guy like KP born her but spent a good deal of his childhood growing up in NZ shouldn’t be able to play for both.

As long as the player meets the eligibility requirements, who cares? Doesn’t effect anyone but them, so play on
 
mullenmagic said:
I could be wrong but I don't think this move immediately opens things up for Ponga. Part of his issue was that he already represented Australia in the 9s in 2019 which would still need to be sorted out separately. Probably gives him more motivation to get that done, though.
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Means he can change allegiances and it doesn't affect his Origin eligibility.
 
Yes but at least part of the issue was that he needed approval to switch after representing Australia before, just as AJ Brimson had to get when he switched to England. That's a different issue that hasn't been addressed with this change.
 
True. But can't imagine it's going to be an issue if he makes the request, which he may now do. KP to NZ would be good for everyone, esp. with Walsh likely having a mortgage on the QLD and Australian 1 jersey for the foreseeable future.
 
Going to be a bit weird in this adjustment period as players who have only played for other countries suddenly become available for Origin - AFB, Nikora …

But in the long term, a great move. Finally NZ will be able to attract players without Origin eligibility hanging over them. Come on down, Kalyn!!!

The only downside for me is it totally kills any chance of the Kiwis playing some much needed test matches mid-year. But the NRL already killed that very successful window anyway, so nothing lost, I guess.
 
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So every one talking about KP representing NZ is just speculation now? I mean I would assume it’s a given. Just seeing a few channels mentioning KP now eligible to play for the kiwis.
 
Briton Nickora has made himself available for QLD. I really hope KP kills it to start the year and then announces he’ll play for NZ in the World Cup.
 
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