Kiwi players now eligible for Origin if they meet criteria

[shinobi]

Its about time.

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.”

https://www.nrl.com/siteassets/2026/all-stars/file-photos/image---2026-02-15t211632.374.jpg?center=0.3%2C0.5&preset=photo-inline-small[img]


[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.nrl.com/news/2026/02/16/state-of-origin-international-eligibility-rules-modernised/[/URL]

 

[Matua]

I don't give a crap about Origin, but finally a level playing field.

Who do people think are going to switch? Ponga, Weekes, Howarth?

 

[shinobi]

I don't give a crap about Origin, but finally a level playing field.

Who do people think are going to switch? Ponga, Weekes, Howarth?

I care more about the fact Kiwis will be able to pick players like Howarth, Weekes, Ponga maybe Strange??? if theyre still keen. The island boys will most likely stick with Samoa/Tonga so this impacts the Mozzies (Māori Aussies).

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

The island boys will most likely stick with Samoa/Tonga so this impacts the Mozzies (Māori Aussies).

We'll see. Leota and Mulitalo have already shown that island boys will switch to the Kiwis if Origin eligiblity isn't an issue.

 

[Matua]

I care more about the fact Kiwis will be able to pick players like Howarth, Weekes, Ponga maybe Strange??? if theyre still keen. The island boys will most likely stick with Samoa/Tonga so this impacts the Mozzies (Māori Aussies).

I doubt Strange will switch, his kiwi ancestry is more distant (and his Aussie more prominent) than the other players we're discussing I think (I may be wrong).

I think it will impact island guys down the road, like Manu says when Origin was off the table Leota and Mulitalo picked the Kiwis.

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

I don't give a crap about Origin, but finally a level playing field.

Who do people think are going to switch? Ponga, Weekes, Howarth?

With all the noise in the past, surely Ponga now commit. Surely...?

Real interested to see what Weekes does though. If he also commits alongside Ponga, the Kiwis suddenly have ridiculous depth at fb, with Kini the incumbent.

And its dynamic depth too, they’re not just workhorses like CNK or utility cover like Issako and TMM. Genuine game breakers from the back who can take advantage of the platform the best platoon of middles in the world will lay, and cause all sorts of trouble.

 

[marshall stalin]

I doubt Strange will switch, his kiwi ancestry is more distant (and his Aussie more prominent) than the other players we're discussing I think (I may be wrong).

I think it will impact island guys down the road, like Manu says when Origin was off the table Leota and Mulitalo picked the Kiwis.

Ethan Strange can also play for England as well as New Zealand - Sam Walker can also play for England - Born in Leeds and has a UK Passport.

An English Halves pairing of Ethan Strange and Sam Walker would be interesting to see - Doubt it will happen but one never knows.