With the NRL announcing changes in the formatting of eligibility for State of Origin, the door has been left opened for many international stars to dominate the inter-state arena.
Players who have represented Tier 1 nations (Australia, New Zealand, and England), are no longer blocked from playing State of Origin, and if you fall under the following guidelines, they are eligible to play:
- 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.
In what is a huge boost in seeing the best possible players in the Origin landscape, it opens up discussion on who is gonna be knocking on the door for selection.
Here are some of the players expected to enter the Origin arena this year.
Casey McLean
The silky outside back has burst onto the scene and has made a name for himself at the Penrith Panthers. With only seven games of NRL experience, McLean made his debut for the Kiwis in a history-making performance in 2024, at only 18 years old.
The youngster scored four tries, his first try coming with his second touch of the steeden, and equalled Kiwis record for most tries in a test. McLeans ceiling is limitless and with the door open for him to enter the Origin arena, the kid wouldn't look out of place.
He could potentially land himself on an right edge with Nathan Cleary and Liam Martin and stike up a Panthers combination at state level.
Isn’t Nikora Qld eligible if at all?
Fonua-Blake and Brimson are the 2. Maybe Nikora if hes qld but hes not going in over Crichton, Martin, Young, Haumole, Preston probably even Lucas. McLean us interesting for the future but wint be picked over Latrell, Crichton, Staggs, Turbo and Best. Radley wont come close behind all the back rowers from earlier throw in guys like
Murray and Yeo and Keaon. JMK more chance than others but still behind Robson and Brailey and Taumalolo wont play, it would take a drastic improvement on his for to even get close. He’s still a solid veteran but he wont make origin now. 5 years ago would of been first picked.