LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The controversy surrounding the selection of Reece Walsh and Jacob Kiraz for the State of Origin has reignited discussions about the rules governing the 18th man.
Veteran reporter Buzz Rothfield revealed that NRL boss Andrew Abdo is open to considering changes if clubs express their concerns.
This weekend, both players will miss their club games due to their selection for the rep team, with Walsh included for potential backline injuries and Kiraz on standby for injured winger Brian To'o.
The impact of their absence is significant, as their respective teams, the Broncos and the Bulldogs, were set to face off in what would be a marquee matchup.
Despite a five-day gap before the Origin decider, neither player will be available for their clubs, raising questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the 18th man rule.
The rule has already proven contentious, with Matt Burton missing a previous club match due to his role as the 18th man.
Rothfield expressed frustration over the current system, highlighting that it diminishes the quality of NRL matches leading up to the State of Origin.
He noted that the absence of star players devalues key games.
"I was down seeing Andrew Abdo on Friday at the NRL headquarters, I said, can you please introduce the rule that the 18th man to play for their club.
He said, 'look if the clubs come to me about it, I will put it in the review at the end of the year,'" Rothfield shared during a Triple M's NRL Daily podcast.
As clubs seek to navigate the duplicity of having players chosen for representative duties while jeopardizing the integrity of regular season matches, there is growing demand for a reevaluation of how the 18th man is utilized.
The outcome of these discussions might change the landscape of the NRL and could potentially influence future selections for both State of Origin and club fixtures.