Cronulla Test stars Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora have welcomed the NRL's recent shift in State of Origin eligibility rules.
Previously barred from Origin selection because of ties to New Zealand, both players are now eligible under the new criteria.
Fonua-Blake was born in western Sydney while Nikora moved from New Zealand to the Gold Coast at age nine.
They satisfy the residency condition that players who lived in Australia before turning 13 can represent a state.
The rule change also allows athletes from Tier-One nations like New Zealand and England to play Origin.
If selected, the two mates could be split by the interstate rivalry, with Fonua-Blake lining up for the Blues and Nikora for the Maroons.
"It's definitely something that excites me," Fonua-Blake said on Tuesday.
"But I've got to make the team … if I perform well and I get the call-up then who wouldn't want that opportunity to play against the Maroons?"
Now 30, Fonua-Blake is a three-time Dally M Prop of the Year and has represented Tonga 16 times.
His one Test appearance for New Zealand in 2017 had previously rendered him ineligible for Origin selection.
"At the time I wished I'd been able to (play for NSW) but it was a while ago so I just got on with my life and just focused all my energy on club footy."