What the hell? RLIF proposing anyone can play for any qualifying country

[Scubby]

What the hell are they doing here?

If I read this right if James Tamou misses out on Aus selection NZ could pick him or Jennings could play Pacific test, Kangaroos, Pacific test, Kangaroos, Pacific test, Kangaroos on loop?? Seriously?

So a NZ born player to Cook Islands and Tongan parents who moves to Australia as a child can swap between 4 nations on loop?

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...nge-rugby-league-forever-20160514-gov8pr.html

League powerbrokers are pressure-testing a range of potential scenarios, including allowing players to switch their nation of allegiance as many times as they like without fear of reprisal.
The idea is to encourage eligible players to represent nations such as Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea if they miss out on Kangaroo or Kiwi call-ups.
As an example, the mooted rule change would allow Anthony Milford – who has Samoan and Australian heritage – to play for the green and golds should coach Mal Meninga deem him worthy. However, should he miss the cut, he could then be chosen for Samoa – and then switch back to the Roos on a later date.
All the while, Queensland coach Kevin Walters would be able to pick the Brisbane product as part of his Origin side if he saw fit. The scenario raised the prospect of non-Australian players being available for Origin, as well as players representing one nation for a particular tournament – then playing against them for the next. All the while, there would be no change to the Origin eligibility laws

 

[morningstar]

So the solution to eligibility rules it to have no rules at all.

How would this be ratified at RLIF level? Is it an executive desicion or do all member nations get a vote?

 

[spinnerhowland]

If there are no protections for domestic players put in the new rules, and the WC becomes the "Heritage Player World Cup", then RL will remain the tiny little global game it is. They need to find a balance if they expect 100's of Volunteers around the world to meet the Criteria the RLIF expect domestic governing bodies to meet without any help from the RLIF.

 

[Arucard]

Knew this shit would happen........

I give up

 

[deluded pom?]

Knew this shit would happen........

I give up

How about the genuine international fans vote with their feet? I'm in the process of spending a substantial amount of money to watch the 4N. I'm already committed to going. If this rule is ratified then that's it for me. I'll retreat back to watching the amateur game. The people running the game just don't get it. Any RL forum you care to go on has a majority of contributors against this kind of thing. The rule makers don't even have the decency to explain the rationale behind their thinking. If I were Collier I'd jump now instead of wasting several years of my life.

 

[geordie_saint]

The bit I take from that quote is they are looking at a range of options including the one mentioned; it doesn't say that is the solution. In my experience, the media always plump for the most controversial idea and rarely in cases like these as they implemented.

 

[CC_Roosters]

Knew this shit would happen........

I give up

I have to say i consider it the like the least likely option but if it did i would be in the same boat of giving up.

Just completely sever the link between origin and national elibibility, its almost that way now anyway. We could actually see the 34 best players in origin when the kiwis and English men are included.

The international game needs to look atthe likes of FIFA for direction on eligibility, rsther than proposing a free for all

 

[roughyedspud]

Its in the SMH so take it with a pinch of salt

 

[hutch]

Its in the SMH so take it with a pinch of salt

The smh have extremely good rugby league journos. It's also in the Daily Tele for the record.

If true, I will give up as well. Have been passionate about the international game since the 1995 and 2000 rlwc and all the ashes series before that growing up. This is the exact opposite of what we need.

 

[Pommy]

I have to say i consider it the like the least likely option but if it did i would be in the same boat of giving up.

Just completely sever the link between origin and national elibibility, its almost that way now anyway. We could actually see the 34 best players in origin when the kiwis and English men are included.

The international game needs to look atthe likes of FIFA for direction on eligibility, rsther than proposing a free for all

I don't understand how they can keep making a mess of it when FIFA have a good system and a booming sport at international level. They could just scrap Origin all together and have some kind of Aus, NZ and Exiles round robin event instead. Or NSW, QLD, NZ and Exiles.

 

[siv]

I guess this is trying to address the Milford situation

Where he doesnt play for Samoa because doesnt want to rule himself out of SOO

 

[roughyedspud]

Doing this perpetuates the notion theres 1st & 2nd tiers..something we should be trying to get of...

 

[adamkungl]

Sigh.. ridiculous

 

[Last Week]

If this happens, I'm out.

 

[flamin]

It's ridiculous but it's the proposal that's been put forward by virtually everyone in the Australian media when discussing eligibility and by the likes of Matt Parish. You never hear nation-swapping needing to be tightened when really that's what should be happening.

 

[roughyedspud]

Ive had a cracking idea...let milford & DCE play for NSW...seeing as the won't make the QLD team...

 

[RedVee]

If this crap comes in I'm expecting that next thing the Origin eligibility will be relaxed to include those that are eligble for Australia by residency...

I can hear them now: " If they are now Australian...??? They must be available..."

 

[Hello, I'm The Doctor]

F*ckin stupid idea. Makes the Pacific teams look low rent....

Better to let players (who qualify for both) appear for Origin then pick a national team other than Australia.

The point of difference in rep footy is that players dont jump between teams like they do at club level. This is the last place football still is like the in 1908, when players showed up for the love of the jersey and not just the money; we cant have players switching allegiances just to get a run.

 

[roughyedspud]

The key words in the article are "pressure testing" like when a government "leak" a "idea"...everyone blows up against it and its quietly never heard of again...

Cos i can't believe anyone in the RLEF would vote this in cos historically they want the laws tighter

 

[RedVee]

The key words in the article are "pressure testing" like when a government "leak" a "idea"...everyone blows up against it and its quietly never heard of again...

Cos i can't believe anyone in the RLEF would vote this in cos historically they want the laws tighter

I hope so.

Look in my circle of friends and colleagues I'm about the only one that gives a fig for International RL; and I'm glad I've taken my kids to a couple of test matches over the years.

But right now I feel like throwing my arms up and surrendering... just become like the rest.

This is so disappointing.