England star to be given huge boost by “eligibility bombshell” to feature in “$100 million showpiece”

Much was made by Sydney Roosters star Victor Radley’s decision to play for England.

Not only did it spell the end of his chances of playing for Australia, but it also meant the end of his chances of playing in the supposed pinnacle of rugby league State of Origin.

This is because of the rules of Origin which see it as the battle ground for selection for Australia.

This means that any player who represents another tier one nation – England and New Zealand – cannot play Origin.

Subsequently, there was rejoice when Samoa and Tonga weren’t promoted from Tier Two after their recent Rugby League World Cup success as it meant their stars weren’t forced to pick between playing for their country or their state.

Now though, the likes of Radley and Jason Taumalolo have been given a huge boost in what the Daily Telegraph is calling an “eligibility bombshell” which could see those players who have represented other Tier One nations play in the NRL’s “$100 million showpiece.”

It would be the biggest change to Origin in 40 years.

“This is only my personal view and it’s that the Origin concept has evolved,” former New South Wales skipper Pearce said.

“There are now so many international players in the game that Origin should no longer be seen as purely a pathway to representation for Australia – on the proviso that players fulfil the criteria of eligibility for State of Origin.

“State of Origin should be a pathway to international football, not just playing for Australia, but they must fulfil the criteria as it’s already set out.”