Origin eligibility no longer tied to Kangaroos - best news since 2017

[adamkungl]

State of Origin international eligibility rules modernised

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) today announced the modernisation of State of Origin international eligibility rules to reflect the continued growth and global strength of Rugby League.

www.nrl.com

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) today announced the modernisation of State of Origin international eligibility rules to reflect the continued growth and global strength of Rugby League.

Under the updated rules, any player who meets the existing State of Origin eligibility criteria will be able to play State of Origin, regardless of the nation they represent in international fixtures.


Previously, players were required to be eligible to represent Australia or a Tier Two nation as defined by International Rugby League (IRL). The updated rules remove this restriction, allowing players who represent Tier One nations — and who meet the traditional State of Origin criteria — to now be eligible.

The change reflects the strength of the international game and the significant growth of Rugby League, particularly across the Pacific.

Core State of Origin eligibility criteria remain unchanged:

• 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.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said the changes were a necessary and logical evolution for the game in 2026.

“Rugby League has changed, the international game has grown, and our rules need to reflect that,” Mr 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.”

This is wonderful news for NZ especially. No more dual-eligible players jumping to get Origin jerseys.

Some of the potential impacts:


Victor Radley (England) can play for NSW
Casey Mclean (NZ) can play for NSW
Addin Fonua Blake (NZ/Tonga) can play for NSW
AJ Brimson (England) can play for QLD
Kalyn Ponga (QLD) can play for NZ
Isaiya Katoa (NSW/Tonga) can play for NZ
Kaeo Weekes (NSW) can play for NZ

 

[The Axe of Druss]

Common sense has prevailed finally

I wonder what the Kiwi fans in here will whinge about now this has been taken off the board?

 

[marlins2.0]

Common sense has prevailed finally

I wonder what the Kiwi fans in here will whinge about now this has been taken off the board?

Oh we'll find something

 

[ALX25]

Disgraceful decision.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

Common sense has prevailed finally

I wonder what the Kiwi fans in here will whinge about now this has been taken off the board?

Can still whinge about the lack of patriotism of Kiwis of Tongan and Samoan descent irrespective of what the rules are Really, the blokes who aren't eligible for Origin because they're born and raised Kiwis are the worst offenders

 

[jim_57]

Good call. When there are as many Auckland born players as Brisbane born players playing Origin you know something needs looking at.

Fonua-Blake, Radley, Kris, Maclean etc become eligible for Origin again.

Ponga, Fotuaika, Toia, King etc become remain eligible for NZ/England. Can keep playing Origin if they do play for NZ/England.

Howarth, Walker, Weekes, Katoa etc can now choose NZ/England without giving up Origin.

Walsh, Taulagi, Nanai etc remain locked to Australia as their tier 1 as they’ve played tests for the Kangaroos.

 

[Canard]

Is the knock on affect of this, the impact on Tonga and Samoa?

i.e. players will be more willing to chose NZ over these teams now?

 

[Canard]

State of Origin international eligibility rules modernised

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) today announced the modernisation of State of Origin international eligibility rules to reflect the continued growth and global strength of Rugby League.

www.nrl.com

This is wonderful news for NZ especially. No more dual-eligible players jumping to get Origin jerseys.

Some of the potential impacts:


Victor Radley (England) can play for NSW
Casey Mclean (NZ) can play for NSW
Addin Fonua Blake (NZ/Tonga) can play for NSW
AJ Brimson (England) can play for QLD
Kalyn Ponga (QLD) can play for NZ
Isaiya Katoa (NSW/Tonga) can play for NZ
Kaeo Weekes (NSW) can play for NZ

In the short term, and based on that list, NSW get a massive positive impact here.

 

[adamkungl]

Is the knock on affect of this, the impact on Tonga and Samoa?

i.e. players will be more willing to chose NZ over these teams now?

NZ born or eligible players were previously incentivised to choose Samoa or Tonga because it kept Origin open for them.
So it might partially shift that tide back the other way.

Maybe it weakens them, maybe it doesn't, but at least its a fair playing field now.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

Is the knock on affect of this, the impact on Tonga and Samoa?

i.e. players will be more willing to chose NZ over these teams now?

Inshallah, yes

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

Ponga, Fotuaika, Toia, King etc become remain eligible for NZ/England. Can keep playing Origin if they do play for NZ/England.

Walsh, Taulagi, Nanai etc remain locked to Australia as their tier 1 as they’ve played tests for the Kangaroos.

Fotuaika and Toia have already played for Tonga so are not in the same category as Ponga and King. Are they able to immediately switch from Tonga to NZ because it's Tier 2/Tier 1?

 

[marlins2.0]

Fotuaika and Toia have already played for Tonga so are not in the same category as Ponga and King. Are they able to immediately switch from Tonga to NZ because it's Tier 2/Tier 1?

Yep.

 

[jim_57]

Fotuaika and Toia have already played for Tonga so are not in the same category as Ponga and King. Are they able to immediately switch from Tonga to NZ because it's Tier 2/Tier 1?

Yehp can switch between tier 2 and tier 1.

How many will is another question. At least players get a choice now without the money/prestige/spotlight of Origin potentially influencing their decision.

 

[Matua]

Common sense has prevailed finally

I wonder what the Kiwi fans in here will whinge about now this has been taken off the board?

We'll still have Aussie refs in test matches, players ruled out by the judiciary when a test series is coming up, and clubs forcing players to have ops before test series. Don't worry we'll be all good.

 

[marlins2.0]

We'll still have Aussie refs in test matches, players ruled out by the judiciary when a test series is coming up, and clubs forcing players to have ops before test series. Don't worry we'll be all good.

Ding ding ding!

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

We play second fiddle in a sport where the dominant country has "cheating at sport" as one of the pillars of their national identity and culture, of course we'll always have plenty to complain about.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

We play second fiddle in a sport where the dominant country has "cheating at sport" as one of the pillars of their national identity and culture, of course we'll always have plenty to complain about.

Well happy to oblige when "whinging about being little brother to Australia" is a pillar of the NZ identity. Cant go causing you fellas an existential crisis can we

 

[marlins2.0]

Is that sandpaper in your pants or are you just happy to see us?

 

[Bobby DIGital]

Great news for the game, and especially for us disadvantaged Kiwi fans.

Who gets the Kiwis fullback jersey? Kini, Weekes or Ponga?

 

[Chins]

Great news for the game, and especially for us disadvantaged Kiwi fans.

Who gets the Kiwis fullback jersey? Kini, Weekes or Ponga?

Ponga a distant 3rd there