LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Darren Lockyer, a Queensland rugby league legend, has firmly rejected the idea that Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth could represent the Maroons in State of Origin.
Despite Farnworth living in Queensland since he was 14 and starting his professional career with the Broncos, he has played six Tests for England, making him ineligible due to NRL rules that bar players from participating in Origin if they have represented a Tier One nation-of which England is included, alongside Australia and New Zealand.
Lockyer's stance comes amid a broader discussion about Origin eligibility, particularly as players like Payne Haas consider switching national allegiances to Samoa, a Tier Two nation.
Current rules allow players to compete in Origin while representing Tier Two nations.
Critics have suggested that the tier system should be abolished to include players with English or Kiwi backgrounds.
Farnworth himself has expressed a desire to represent Queensland, acknowledging that he "would love to be able to represent the Maroons" but emphasizing that his allegiance remains with England.
"I think anyone would be lying to say that they didn't want to play Origin," he stated.
He clarified that while he would be eager to play for Queensland if rules changed, his primary focus is on competing for England, particularly looking forward to the Ashes and the World Cup next year.
Lockyer maintains that the eligibility laws should remain unchanged, emphasizing the integrity of the Origin framework.
The potential inclusion of Farnworth, who is viewed as one of the best centres in the game, would set up exciting matchups against other top players like Jarome Luai and Latrell Mitchell.
However, despite the appeal of adding talents like Farnworth to the Maroons roster, Lockyer stands firm in his belief that eligibility criteria should not be adjusted to accommodate such players.