Pacific Nation Origin Series: Is it time?

Rugby League, the greatest game of all! We know it is but could we make it better?

As seen in the World Cup last year, some of the best games and best atmosphere were the games between the Pacific nations!

The pre-game rituals were something to behold. Passionate, volatile and explosive.

Wouldn't you like to see an Origin style series between the Pacific Nations during the same time period as the State Of Origin?

Perhaps the powers that be might be able to look at scheduling a Pacific Nations series to play during the Origin period each year.

New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. It would build to be their own Origin series. It has long been debated should the best NZ and other Pacific Island players be able to play Origin. This would put that debate to rest.

It would also build further inroads into the exposure and participation of Rugby League in the region. To see players like Jason Taumalolo, Anthony Milford, Martin Taupau, Shaun Johnson and Suliasi Vunivalu running around for their country will be a winning formula.

Games could be played in their own home countries with a final to be staged in New Zealand. Or take a game to the USA as a promotion, either way, it would not be short of a crowd nor interest.

This could be a money spinner for the leagues of all nations. It could open up new sponsorship deals for them and the NRL. Based on the quality of the games played at the World Cup, it would attract a good TV audience as well.

With the participation rates of players of Pacific Island heritage it only makes sense to accommodate their representative needs. If the game truly wants to become an International game changes need to be made.

No longer should a proud Islander have to chose which country he plays for. Has to give up playing for their country of birth. Such was the case with Semi Radradra. Albeit International rules have changed to soften that choice.

I for one want more of the clashes between the Pacific nations. Maybe Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands and even an Indigenous Australian Dream Team can also be involved. That would be something they would need to work out.

All up it is a winner. I hope it happens one day. Nothing is better than the pregame between these proud Pacific nations.

What do you think? Would you like to see a Pacific Nation Origin style series?
Let me know your thoughts!