League Freak
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This is a GREAT article by Ricky Stuart.
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,12602692-23209,00.html
The NSW coach could have very easily said "Let everyone play Origin", but he realises that for the good of the game this can not happen.
The part about Polynesian is very true. I lived in an area and went to school with alot of Polynesian players and for 80% of them, they either saw themselves as Samoan or Tongan.
Given the chance there is NO DOUBT that these players would play for "their country", but as it stands right now their choice is play for New Zealand...or play for Australia and make youself avalible for Origin.
I would like to see the ARL bring in this rule for Origin:
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State Of Origin Eligibility Rules
I believe there should be two rules to cover who can play State Of Origin football.
1. You should be a naturalized Australia and therefore eligible to play for Australia.
2. You should have played your first junior football for the state you have been selected for.
Anyone who does not forfil those two requirements should not be allowed to play in the State Of Origin series
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I would also like to see th ARL basically set up Franchised Test nations like Tonga and Samoa. Take over the running of these Test teams, give them a "Home" stadium in Australia where they can play games during the NRL season.
I would also like to see the ARL, NRL and NZRL look at an Origin style competition.....New Zealand vs the Pacific Islands. That game would have just as much passion in it as any State Of Origin game.
If we can shorten the season.....make State Of Origin and Test Matches stand alone events on their own weekend.....there is no reason why you couldnt have the State Of Origin running at the same time as the NZ vs PI Origin match.....and then when NZ plays Australia you could have Tonga, Samoa or even PNG playing on the same weekend.
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,12602692-23209,00.html
The NSW coach could have very easily said "Let everyone play Origin", but he realises that for the good of the game this can not happen.
The part about Polynesian is very true. I lived in an area and went to school with alot of Polynesian players and for 80% of them, they either saw themselves as Samoan or Tongan.
Given the chance there is NO DOUBT that these players would play for "their country", but as it stands right now their choice is play for New Zealand...or play for Australia and make youself avalible for Origin.
I would like to see the ARL bring in this rule for Origin:
-----
State Of Origin Eligibility Rules
I believe there should be two rules to cover who can play State Of Origin football.
1. You should be a naturalized Australia and therefore eligible to play for Australia.
2. You should have played your first junior football for the state you have been selected for.
Anyone who does not forfil those two requirements should not be allowed to play in the State Of Origin series
-----
I would also like to see th ARL basically set up Franchised Test nations like Tonga and Samoa. Take over the running of these Test teams, give them a "Home" stadium in Australia where they can play games during the NRL season.
I would also like to see the ARL, NRL and NZRL look at an Origin style competition.....New Zealand vs the Pacific Islands. That game would have just as much passion in it as any State Of Origin game.
If we can shorten the season.....make State Of Origin and Test Matches stand alone events on their own weekend.....there is no reason why you couldnt have the State Of Origin running at the same time as the NZ vs PI Origin match.....and then when NZ plays Australia you could have Tonga, Samoa or even PNG playing on the same weekend.