Parker: The Kiwi that now 'walks' into NSW's side following Origin change

State of Origin eligibility rules have been modernised, with internationals now eligible to play for New South Wales or Queensland.

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) today announced the updated rules, which include that “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”.

The ARLC release read: “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.

With this move, it now allows various stars to be able to play in the three-game series.

Notable players now eligible for State of Origin

• Addin Fonua-Blake (NSW)
• Victor Radley (NSW)
• Casey McLean (NSW)
• AJ Brimson (QLD)
• Briton Nikora (QLD)

It also means players like Kalyn Ponga, who is open to switching to New Zealand, would still be able to play for Queensland if he was to move.

SENQ Breakfast's Corey Parker believes that this will see New South Wales improve their forward back with Founa-Blake now available.

Parker: "I'm not sure that Radley makes the NSW side as a walk-up start, but Addin Founa-Blake absolutely walks into that NSW side."

"That's not being disrespectful, he's just an elite, premium prop."

While on SEN1170 Breakfast’s, Greg Alexander and Jimmy Smith discussed the enormity of the rule change.

Brandy: “That’s big, that’s enormous news.

“Recently, we’ve had Victor Radley put his hand up and say I want to play for England, that was in the 2022 World Cup, and that ruled him out of NSW.

“Victor is now eligible to play for NSW.”

Smith added, “AJ Brimson is eligible after playing for England. That will be important for Queensland.”

“The Kiwis that played for New Zealand but grew up in Australia or moved to Australia before they were 13 are now eligible for wherever the move to.

“Addin Fonua-Blake is a NSW boy as a Dragons junior.

“Casey McLean is now eligible to play for NSW.”

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys was all for the significant changes.

“Rugby League has changed, the international game has grown, and our rules need to reflect that,” 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.”

The ARLC has also confirmed on Monday that New Zealand will play host to a State of Origin game in 2027.

That will be played at Auckland's Eden Park.