Controversial: Origin needs to adapt to reflect a changing NRL - or die a slow death...

[Valheru]

Don't have any concerns over this honestly. We will just see better players in the Origin arena.

No it won't

About 3 additional players are now eligible.

 

[Someone2]

Sack PVL he just ruined origin and because of the way he has handled the Lomax situation

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

Nikora would be eligible for Qld, not NSW. He moved to theGC as a teenager and played for Keebra Park

Yea I was aware of his time at Keebra and his family currently based up in Goldie, but a number of recent stories note him as eligible for NSW so I took that at face value.

But regardless… he wouldn’t look out of place alongside the likes of Nanai, Sua, Capewell and Cotter either IMO.

 

[Someone2]

If they doing this they should let Ponga play for NZ now

 

[Matua]

Sack PVL he just ruined origin and because of the way he has handled the Lomax situation

How is it ruining Origin, non Oz players eligible for Origin have been playing for a number of years now, this changes nothing other then opening the pool of eligible players up slightly.

 

[RedVee]

They still need to pass the same criteria as anyone else to be eligible for NSW or Qld.

 

[Fangs]

No it won't

About 3 additional players are now eligible.

And in future?

You won't be upset when AFB and Haas are our starting front row this year.

 

[Matiunz]

Disappointed to see PVL ruin SOO. Let's hope both states continue to follow the old rules. If you play SOO you should aspire to play for Australia. Legitimate Kiwis shouldn't play for QLD or NSW. The moment they're picked this year is the moment I stop watching and caring about it.

NZers already do play origin, they just opted for a PI team to get around the eligibility rules.
Either gotta go all in or all out in terms of players playing origin and playing internationals for other nations

 

[Marshall_magic]

AFB walks into the NSW squad now... obviously Tonga aligned, but it was his lone Kiwi cap that's excluded him from Origin till now.

Casey McLean will be a NSW starter at some point in the next 3-5years if not sooner. And Nikora wouldn't look out of place, esp next year after Crichton buggers off.

I mean in 2026 how many players would play origin because of this rule who otherwise would not have. AFB would definitely be one. You have a few other guys who are going to be on the fringes like Brimson and Radley - but even then Radley seemingly picked England because NSW didn’t seem interested, I doubt he gets a game over Martin, Crighton, Murray or Yoweh - might get a gig over Hudson Dumb.

 

[Murishido]

I don't think this alone does anything, it's a very fringe change. But I do worry that the overlords see it as the precedent.

Origin was never supposed to work. It was a throw away concession.

But somehow it did.

Now to date sports administrators, who are the bottom rung of business people,just below politicians for capability and strategic planning, have let the golden goose graze.

If this becomes license to tinker they will screw that pooch.

PVLs "over45 years it's developed into something special " is worrying, it didnt really develop outside of giving it more air. it largely just came into existence and every time these numpties prod at it, it bites back.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

PVLs "over45 years it's developed into something special " is worrying, it didnt really develop outside of giving it more air. it largely just came into existence and every time these numpties prod at it, it bites back.

Care to give an example of this?

 

[shadowformz]

Initially I was against this also. However now I think it's going to only strengthen the international game. The English and New Zealand teams stand to benefit, whilst Australia and the pacifika nation will weaken a little. Player's like Sam Walker, Blake Brailey and Sam Healey may opt for England now. Kayal Iro could choose England or the Kiwis. And the plethora of pasifika players heading the Kiwis way shouldn't be underestimated.

 

[RL The greatest game]

Jonathon Thurston backs the new plans

"We want the best players playing the game": Johnathan Thurston backs Origin changes

The legend is all for the big changes.

www.zerotackle.com

 

[Big Pete]

Disappointed to see PVL ruin SOO. Let's hope both states continue to follow the old rules. If you play SOO you should aspire to play for Australia. Legitimate Kiwis shouldn't play for QLD or NSW. The moment they're picked this year is the moment I stop watching and caring about it.

I couldn't imagine you'd care about Haas, To'o, Crichton and the NSW contingent but what were your feelings on Tabuai-Fidow, Papalii, Taulagi, Nanai, Toia etc. representing the Pacific Islands?

Admittedly, I wouldn't have an issue if this was a deciding factor for some selections. If you had two similar players, but one wants to represent Australia and the other wants to represent New Zealand, I'd be inclined to go with the Australian.

I believe some of the Queensland and New South Wales selectors also act as selectors for the Australian side so they may feel the same way.

 

[Bazal]

Disappointed to see PVL ruin SOO. Let's hope both states continue to follow the old rules. If you play SOO you should aspire to play for Australia. Legitimate Kiwis shouldn't play for QLD or NSW. The moment they're picked this year is the moment I stop watching and caring about it.

Weird tantrum over a state game. Catch ya, champ.

Great rule change that's been overdue for years.

 

[RecordBreakingMaroons.]

I don't like tinkering to the Origin concept but it is a done deal and the ink has dried. It just remains to be seen whether this is what the international game needs to grow in stature.

Really there are only two thriving Rugby League markets: Northern England and NSW/QLD in Australia. Soccer dominates UK and Rugby League has a footprint shared amongst lots Australian sports generally.

State Of Origin is the exception: That's because of how the players, the supporters buy into it. Even fans of other sports who do not watch one single game of Rugby League all year will put time aside to watch State Of Origin. It is a true spectacle. Forget about fans of other sports, the Elite of Other Sports love watching SOO. The Elite of Rugby. The Elite of AFL will be watching SOO. It is a genuinely attractive product of Rugby League and is recognised as such and accepted by many who have zero interest in Rugby League.

I hope we don't kill the Golden Goose.