Bad News For NSW As Origin Criteria Expanded To Include The Other 50% Of Logan That Were Previously Ineligible

CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT

The Chairman of the National Rugby League, Peter V'landys, has today dropped a bombshell on the media regarding State of Origin eligibility rules.

As of this year, the floodgates have been opened to players who have previously been unable to take part in rugby league’s interstate tri-match series due to nationality.

This is the newest of many drastic changes that have been announced as part of the NRL's unsustainable pursuit to get as many eyeballs on their game at all times regardless of tradition or even gameplay, with top-flight footballers now expected to play close 40 matches a year.

The ARL commission officially announced players who have represented New Zealand and England in the international game are now eligible to play in State of Origin, if they meet the other eligibility requirements.

Namely, that they lived in Australia prior to turning 13, and played their first representative match in their State of origin.

While many Queenslanders initially thought this might be a dirty southern tactic to level the playing field after nearly two decades of Maroon dominance, it appears that this will only spell more bad news for NSW.

Because as of this year, the other 50% of Logan City's grassroots rugby league superstars are now eligible to play for Queensland too.

On top of this, the thousands of 1st generation islander and Kiwi kids that live in North Queensland hubs like Townsville, Mackay and Cairns will also be eligible.

This means that players like Jason Taumololo, Benji Marshall and Ronaldo Mulitalo all would have played 20 matches in Maroon jersey had these rules been in place at the start of their careers.

It also now means that the New Zealand national side will get a bit of boost, because players like Kalyn Ponga will no longer prioritise State Of Origin selection over playing for their family's nation of origin.

QueeNZlander!!!!!