State of Origin international eligibility rules modernised

[tiger_one]

State of Origin international eligibility rules modernised

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.

www.nrl.com

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.”

 

[hank37w]

I agree with this in principle but there needs to be a bit of clarification around everywhere still being in Queensland.

 

[gregjm87]

Can anyone thinks of anyone likely play Origin who wasn't previously available. I can only think of AFB

 

[gallagher]

Can anyone thinks of anyone likely play Origin who wasn't previously available. I can only think of AFB

radley, Benji going back awhile

 

[gregjm87]

radley, Benji going back awhile

Was thinking blokes likely to play going forward.

 

[gallagher]

Was thinking blokes likely to play going forward.

Nathan Cayless off the top of my head. Taumalolo.

 

[hank37w]

Can anyone thinks of anyone likely play Origin who wasn't previously available. I can only think of AFB

Possibly A J Brimson

 

[gregjm87]

Nathan Cayless off the top of my head. Taumalolo.

Taumalolo maybe. I'd think the rule change might be a couple years to late for him.
Casey Maclean is one who'd be a real shot for NSW, if not this year, certainly in the coming years.
Briton Nikora would be a chance for Qld.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Just another example of Abdo and PVL tearing at the fabric of the game.

 

[gregjm87]

Just another example of Abdo and PVL tearing at the fabric of the game.

I don't mind this. It doesn't make sense that a Samoan NSWelshmen can play Origin but a Kiwi NSWelshmen can not.

I understand the argument for only those that declare for Australia to be picked. I don't really have a strong stance on that one either way. But the tier of the nation you declare for shouldn't matter in my opinion.

 

[Merlot]

Blaspheme

 

[JC99]

Makes a lot of sense

If a kiwi kid moves to NSW when he's 9 and wants to represent state and country, why shouldn't he be allowed to?

AFB and Haas together would be wicked