LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Queensland Rugby League boss Ben Ikin is calling for a change in the NRL's international eligibility rules, urging for a "declare once and stick to it" policy to be implemented.
He believes that the ongoing uncertainty surrounding players' eligibility for tier-one and tier-two nations is blurring the lines between Test footy and State of Origin.
Ikin's concerns come as players like Tino Fa'asuamaleaui are being courted by tier-two nations like Samoa for potential international appearances, despite already representing tier-one teams like Australia.
Ikin argues that players should be required to make a definitive decision on their international allegiance early in their careers and stick with it.
He believes that once a player has made their choice, they should not be allowed to switch between nations.
He stated, "At the start of his journey, if he feels because of his heritage, he wants to play for Queensland and Samoa, then that's the choice you make, and once you make it, it's done.
I think that's the part that needs to be tightened up."
Currently, under the current rules, players like Fa'asuamaleaui can represent Australia in tier-one Test matches while still retaining eligibility for Queensland and having the option to switch to a tier-two nation like Samoa.
Ikin sees this as unsustainable and believes that it is creating confusion and instability in the international rugby league landscape.
He is pushing for a more definitive and clear process that would require players to make a clear decision on their international allegiance early on in their career.
By doing so, Ikin hopes to create a more consistent and transparent system for international player eligibility.