Morley opens Origin door
By Dean Ritchie
July 16, 2004
SYDNEY Roosters front-rower Adrian Morley is considering an application for Australian residency -- opening the way to become eligible for State of Origin football.
English firebrand Morley told The Daily Telegraph last night he was poised to apply for residency and the ARL confirmed he could be available for Australia and NSW.
Morley would, however, have to decide between Australia and Great Britain.
Those closest to Morley believe he will find it difficult walking away from the Great Britain Lions, but there is no doubt he would be an ideal State of Origin player.
Provided he is granted residency, Morley will finish his career in Australia and more than likely at the Roosters.
This is Morley's fourth season at Bondi and he has another two years remaining on his contract.
Morley, who will play for the Roosters against St George Illawarra tonight, was reluctant to discuss the issue last night but did say: "I would remain a British citizen but I am considering lodging an application [for Australian residency]. "I have lived here for a few years and it is a nice country and not a bad place to live and settle."
Influential league officials may attempt to keep Morley in a Great Britain jumper, aware the English cannot afford to be drained of elite talent. ARL chief executive Geoff Carr said a player could qualify to play for their country through three channels.
"You qualify by your birth place, the birth place of your parents and grandparents and your country of residence," Carr said.
"Adrian would have to indicate his preference between Australia and Great Britain.
"There could be an opportunity down the track where he is eligible for Australia if he wished. And that means there is a possibility of him playing State of Origin."
Carr said the international rugby league body might, however, impose a rule that stated a player who represented at the 2001 World Cup must remain with that country at the next tournament in 2008.
Roosters coach Ricky Stuart said Morley would be a wonderful Origin player.
"There is a long way to go before it happens but Adrian is an Origin type player," Stuart said.
Asked about Morley staying in Australia, Stuart said: "I think it would be fantastic for Adrian to finish his career in Australia. Adrian loves Australia. He is an Englishman who has come across and adapted to the Australian game very well."
The Daily Telegraph
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,10150190-23214,00.html
By Dean Ritchie
July 16, 2004
SYDNEY Roosters front-rower Adrian Morley is considering an application for Australian residency -- opening the way to become eligible for State of Origin football.
English firebrand Morley told The Daily Telegraph last night he was poised to apply for residency and the ARL confirmed he could be available for Australia and NSW.
Morley would, however, have to decide between Australia and Great Britain.
Those closest to Morley believe he will find it difficult walking away from the Great Britain Lions, but there is no doubt he would be an ideal State of Origin player.
Provided he is granted residency, Morley will finish his career in Australia and more than likely at the Roosters.
This is Morley's fourth season at Bondi and he has another two years remaining on his contract.
Morley, who will play for the Roosters against St George Illawarra tonight, was reluctant to discuss the issue last night but did say: "I would remain a British citizen but I am considering lodging an application [for Australian residency]. "I have lived here for a few years and it is a nice country and not a bad place to live and settle."
Influential league officials may attempt to keep Morley in a Great Britain jumper, aware the English cannot afford to be drained of elite talent. ARL chief executive Geoff Carr said a player could qualify to play for their country through three channels.
"You qualify by your birth place, the birth place of your parents and grandparents and your country of residence," Carr said.
"Adrian would have to indicate his preference between Australia and Great Britain.
"There could be an opportunity down the track where he is eligible for Australia if he wished. And that means there is a possibility of him playing State of Origin."
Carr said the international rugby league body might, however, impose a rule that stated a player who represented at the 2001 World Cup must remain with that country at the next tournament in 2008.
Roosters coach Ricky Stuart said Morley would be a wonderful Origin player.
"There is a long way to go before it happens but Adrian is an Origin type player," Stuart said.
Asked about Morley staying in Australia, Stuart said: "I think it would be fantastic for Adrian to finish his career in Australia. Adrian loves Australia. He is an Englishman who has come across and adapted to the Australian game very well."
The Daily Telegraph
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,10150190-23214,00.html
:lol:
