Recent changes to international eligibility rules helped clear Dane Gagai to represent New Zealand, after an appeals committee found he had not been given the same options as other players.
The committee approved his switch from Australia, where he played seven Tests and was part of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup-winning side. His last Test was in 2018.
Gagai, who has played 23 State of Origins for Queensland, qualifies for New Zealand through his mother, Tania, and has represented the Maori All Stars since 2019.
International Rugby League rules generally prevent players who have represented Australia, England or New Zealand from switching to another of those Tier 1 nations. Gagai's application was first rejected under that rule.
The IRL later allowed Kalyn Ponga to switch to New Zealand and AJ Brimson to represent England, although both had played for Australia at the 2019 IRL World Cup Nines. State of Origin eligibility changes also enabled New Zealand representatives Briton Nikora, Casey McLean and Addin Fonua-Blake to play in this year's series.
IRL chair Troy Grant said ARLC executive chairman Peter V'landys and Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters supported Gagai's application. Grant said there were "special circumstances" and that V'landys believed an amnesty period was appropriate.
"Dane hasn't played for Australia for eight years and we didn't want him to be disadvantaged compared to other players with recent rule changes," Grant said.
Gagai could face Latrell Mitchell in New Zealand's World Cup opener, following their NRL elimination-final meeting. The potential rematch is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at Allianz Stadium, subject to selection.
The committee also approved Kaiyah Atai's application to play for New Zealand after representing Cook Islands in 2024 World Cup qualifying.