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.
Jason Taumalolo
An absolute wrecking-ball, and had the title as the games best forward for a long period during the mid 2010's. Similar to Fonua-Blake, Taumalolo brings agility and late footwork for a big forward that could cause problems for tired NSW defenders in the middle.
Taumalolo was famously the catalyst for a massive shift during 2017 for high-profile players to pledge their allegience from the Kiwis to Tonga for the World Cup that year, which included Andrew Fifita and Michael Jennings. It was a major turning point in international rugby league with players from Samoa and Fiji following the trend.
In what is a massive shame is that the rule change wasn't brought in ten years ago, Taumalolo would have dominated the Origin arena for Queensland. Although he would still add a wealth of experience to their young forwards if he was given the chance to play.
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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.