Top 10 international players made for State of Origin

Many rugby league fans consider State of Origin the pinnacle of the sport, despite the existence of international tournaments. These are ten current international players from the NRL that would be right at home in the Origin arena. Elijah Taylor It is no surprise that the Wests Tigers tackling machine Elijah Taylor has played 11 games for New Zealand. The reliable defender always puts the effort in and would not look out of place in State of Origin, providing consistent attack and defence. [caption id="attachment_33433" align="alignnone" width="696"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 05: Elijah Taylor of the Tigers reacts after being sin-binned during the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Wests Tigers at Mt Smart Stadium on May 5, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)[/caption] Jared Waerea-Hargreaves Though the firebrand prop has not had the most enjoyable representative career, it would be hard to argue that Jared Waerea-Hargreaves would not suit Origin well. Waerea-Hargreaves is a premiership-winning forward and always provides his side with impressive go-forward – a huge requirement in State of Origin. [caption id="attachment_33434" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of the Roosters is tackled during the round eight NRL match between the St George Illawara Dragons and Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on April 25, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Adam Blair New Zealand’s captain Adam Blair is very experienced in the international arena with 48 games under his belt, to go along with his 302 NRL games. The veteran has become known as a hitman in recent years, with his aggressive hits and hard running difficult to ignore. There is no doubt this style of play would be well suited for Origin. [caption id="attachment_33435" align="alignnone" width="696"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 05: Adam Blair of the Warriors reacts during the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Wests Tigers at Mt Smart Stadium on May 5, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)[/caption] Jordan Rapana Jordan Rapana has a fierce determination to win each and every game he plays in, a trait that many of the best Origin players possess. Rapana also provides great speed, excellent finishing and will always put in for his team. [caption id="attachment_33436" align="alignnone" width="696"] during the round five NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Canterbury Bulldogs at GIO Stadium on April 5, 2018 in Canberra, Australia.[/caption] Manu Ma’u Manu Ma’u is one of Tonga’s best players and is quickly becoming one of the NRL’s most impressive edge forwards. Ma’u is a great player in both attack and defence, with the ability to run excellent lines or put big hits on the opposition. [caption id="attachment_33437" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 18: Manu Ma'u of the Eels is tackled during the round 11 Parramatta Eels and the New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium on May 18, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Gareth Widdop Gareth Widdop has a spectacular ability to create something out of nothing, and is always looking to go on the attack. In such a defence oriented arena like State of Origin, a creative and flexible playmaker is invaluable, and Widdop would certainly provide some class. [caption id="attachment_33438" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Gareth Widdop of the Dragons looks on during the round 10 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St George Illawarra Dragons at ANZ Stadium on May 13, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Russell Packer Since his return to rugby league, Russell Packer has shown he is a seriously impressive front-row forward. Not only is he a very strong runner, Packer has proven he is determined and is a true leader. Such characteristics are important for State of Origin players. [caption id="attachment_33439" align="alignnone" width="696"] WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 18: Russell Packer of the Kiwis looks on during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Quarter Final match between New Zealand and Fiji at Wellington Regional Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)[/caption] James Graham One look at James Graham on the field explains why he would suit State of Origin perfectly. The English prop is extremely passionate for every side he represents, constantly providing go-forward, strong defence and a never say die attitude to his team. [caption id="attachment_33000" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: James Graham of the Dragons in action during the round five NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at UOW Jubilee Oval on April 6, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Roger Tuivasa-Sheck Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is an incredibly talented fullback, with a running game that causes headaches for every team he faces. He is exactly what is needed from an Origin level fullback with his running game being complemented by his safety at the back and his general strength. [caption id="attachment_33440" align="alignnone" width="696"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 12: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck of the Warriors in action during the round 10 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)[/caption] Sam Burgess Sam Burgess played one of the most incredible games in NRL history in the 2014 grand final when he fractured his eye socket early in the match. It is performances such as these that are often associated with State of Origin – where players often play through incredible pain or injury. Burgess has shown he would slot perfectly into an Origin team. [caption id="attachment_32607" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 29: Samuel Burgess of the Rabbitohs walks from the field during the round 21 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canberra Raiders at ANZ Stadium on July 29, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	+/-
1	NZW	2	2	0	4	58
2	CAN	1	1	0	4	1
3	MEL	1	1	0	2	48
4	CRO	1	1	0	2	40
5	PEN	1	1	0	2	26
6	NEW	1	1	0	2	10
7	SOU	2	1	1	2	2
8	WST	0	0	0	2	0

Top 10 international players made for State of Origin

1. Sam Burgess

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