Kiwis can now represent Queensland or New South Wales, after a State of Origin eligibility rules change.
The announcement came after it was confirmed Auckland will host an Origin game in 2027.
The new eligibility rules mean anyone who meets existing criteria to play in Origin can do so, regardless of the country they play for, paving the way for England and New Zealand representative players to put on a Blues or Maroons jersey.
The core eligibility criteria remains the same, these being at least one of the following:
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said the changes were necessary and logical for the game.
“Rugby league has changed, the international game has grown, and our rules need to reflect that,” V’landys said.
“If a player is eligible to play State of Origin, it makes no sense to exclude them simply because they’ve represented New Zealand or England at test level.
“State of Origin is about where you’re from and what state you’re eligible for, not which country you represent internationally.
“If you’re eligible, you should be able to play for your state.”
V’landys said this change would help grow the international game and State of Origin.
Former Queensland player Johnathan Thurston said he was a fan of the rule changes, but wasn’t sure how much of an impact it would have on the game overall.
“I don’t think it’s going to make much difference from my understanding,” he said, “you have to be born in Australia or you’ve got to reside there before your 13th birthday.
“So, you know, I think it’s cutting out the Tier 1 and Tier 2 nations, so players will be able to represent their motherland, as they call it, and play for Queensland and New South Wales.
“So, yeah, I like the eligibility rules that have been announced.”
Former Blues and Warriors player Ryan Hoffman was also supportive of the changes and felt it would be good for the international game.
“I suppose it’s great that the NRL and the ARL are moving with the times and I think we want to make the international game stronger,” Hoffman said.
“Rugby league is one of the most multicultural games that you can get and I think any time people get, I suppose, an affinity or they feel a connection to the players, that can only be a better experience for the supporter.”
The decision could open the door for NRL stars like Kalyn Ponga to switch allegiances to New Zealand.
New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Greg Peters had previously told the Herald Origin rules were keeping Ponga from playing for the Kiwis.
“At that time, what Kalyn was saying was if he could still play Origin and play for the Kiwis, he’d front up for us,” Peters said.
“[Kiwis head coach] Stacey [Jones] has expressed a willingness or desire to speak to Kalyn, if he’s keen to play for the Kiwis.
“But at this stage, until the State of Origin issue is resolved, it’ll be the same answer.”