There could be a significant change coming to Origin and International eligibility!
Junior Paulo and Kotoni Staggs would be able to represent NSW in State of Origin without having to commit to playing for Australia under proposed eligibility rules aimed at boosting the international game before next year’s World Cup.
Grant has consulted with NSWRL CEO David Trodden, Blues coach Brad Fittler, former State of Origin mentors Wayne Bennett and Phil Gould and New Zealand coach Michael Maguire, while he also plans to speak to Maroons coach Kevin Walters.Among the issues raised are the international calendar and scheduling clashes between State of Origin and Test matches, which force players with dual eligibility to choose between NSW or Queensland and the likes of Tonga, Samoa, Fiji or Papua New Guinea.
“The chairman gets it and understands the need to continually invest in and grow the international game, particularly given the high representation of Pacific players in the NRL,” Grant said. With no Tests this year due to COVID-19, the IRL is working with the Asia Pacific Confederation and the Rugby League European Federation to be in the position coming out of the pandemic.Significantly, Grant said the IRL was aiming to establish genuine partnerships and relationships with the NRL and Super League, as well as the RLPA.
“In this day and age, the commercial viability of any product in the sporting market has to be sound and we are working diligently to achieve that, which will ultimately give the game the international calendar - a somewhat holy grail - that has been sought after and promised for far too long.”
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