Canberra fullback Kaeo Weekes could represent the Cook Islands under a new great-grandparent eligibility rule for future internationals.
Although his heritage through his parents and grandparents is Māori, Weekes qualifies because his great-grandparents were born in the Cook Islands.
The International Rugby League (IRL) introduced the rule to strengthen the player stocks of Tier 2 nations.
"We have players sitting on the sidelines who the public deserves to see showing their skills on the international stage," IRL chair Troy Grant said.
Grant added: "It will still require an evidentiary process for proving that status. But we are of the firm belief this elevates nations in accessing players and deepens the depth of the player pool."
"It will also lift the competitiveness of matches across nations," Grant said.
In other changes ratified this week, Samoa and Tonga were unanimously promoted to Tier 1, alongside Australia, New Zealand and England.
The elevations were expected and will not affect State of Origin selection, following NRL eligibility changes introduced last year.
However, the change will restrict players from switching international allegiances as they have in recent years.
The IRL is developing an amnesty period with the RLPA, giving affected players time to choose a nation. After choosing, they will be bound to it for future internationals.
Players facing decisions include Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.