The downgrading of the status of RLWC 2000 matches from tests to internationals, especially the Kangaroo games vs England, Wales and NZ, was disappointing. Yakstorm, your information about the aftermath of RLWC 2000 vs 1995 is fascinating, and if anything shows that the ARL maintain a double standard. However, I can understand the reasons that the ARL wanted to downdgrade the RLWC test status. Its happened.
Nevertheless, I'm sure there is a stand down rule (24 months according to the NZRL's player search in Big League) between playing for two different national teams in tests. If there was a One Nation rule, it would be bad news for RL. Its great for RL if Leon Pryce plays for both GB and West Indies. In just the same way, I hope Carroll turns out for Aus if he wants to do so. Good luck to him, it would be great to see another dual international.
Now, the way in which players to go from one national team to anotheris crucial. The fact that Carroll is going because WC matches aren't classed as tests is an arbitrary, ad hoc means of a player changing between major national teams.
IMHO, as I've stated many teams to the chagrin of many regular posters
, there should be a stand down period of 3 years (a standard permanent residency period in many countries around the world) if a player wants to switch between elite national teams - by that I mean Australia, NZ, GB and in 2006, France.
HOWEVER THE REAL ISSUE, which almost everyone has missed (although Wayne Bennett is a notable exception), is that
the NZRL have failed to provide good incentive for players like Carroll to play for NZ - by not trying to plan their own representative series to rival State of Origin. Point the finger at Selwyn Pearson, Selwyn Bennett and Peter Cordtz.