LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Wayne Bennett has expressed concern about potential changes to State of Origin eligibility rules, warning that "Origin will be finished" if the rules are altered, potentially impacting the intensity of the game's greatest rivalry.
The issue arose following reports that Blues prop Payne Haas is considering playing for Samoa rather than Australia in the Ashes series, and Maroons star Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is also contemplating switching allegiance to Samoa.
This has magnified the ongoing debate around State of Origin eligibility, with players having the ability to represent either NSW or Queensland while also playing for tier two nations like Tonga or Samoa, even if they have already played for Australia or New Zealand.
The situation is further complicated by cases like Victor Radley, who, having represented England, is now ineligible to play for NSW.
Bennett's concerns reflect a broader sentiment within the rugby league community about the potential impact of changing eligibility rules on the State of Origin series.
The rivalry between NSW and Queensland is a cornerstone of the sport, and any dilution of its intensity could have significant implications for the game as a whole.
Bennett's warning serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that exists between preserving tradition and adapting to evolving circumstances in rugby league.
The debate over State of Origin eligibility is not new, but recent developments have brought it back into the spotlight.
The decisions made by players like Haas and Fa'asuamaleaui highlight the complex nature of international representation in rugby league and the challenges faced by players in navigating their allegiances.
As the sport continues to grow and evolve, finding a balance between tradition and inclusivity will be crucial in maintaining the integrity and appeal of competitions like State of Origin.