Sharks Players Can Now Play State of Origin After Rule Change

Some rugby players who played for other countries can now try to play for New South Wales or Queensland in the State of Origin games. Players from the Cronulla Sharks team, Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora, have said they want to play.
By Newsroom | Rugby League, Australia |

Recent changes in player eligibility rules for the prestigious State of Origin rugby league series have opened new avenues for players previously tied to international duties. This development allows players who have represented both England and New Zealand to now be considered for New South Wales (NSW) or Queensland (QLD) selection. This shift presents a significant opportunity for players like Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora, both of the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, who have publicly stated their aspirations to compete in the Origin arena.

‘I won’t back down’: Sharks duo to chase Origin dream despite star prop’s QLD link - 1

Eligibility Reforms Create New Origin Pathways

The landscape of State of Origin selection has seen a notable alteration. Previously, players representing another nation in international rugby league were generally ineligible for Origin. However, this policy has been amended, enabling individuals with dual international status to declare their allegiance to either NSW or QLD.

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‘I won’t back down’: Sharks duo to chase Origin dream despite star prop’s QLD link - 2

  • Key change: Players who have represented England or New Zealand can now be considered for State of Origin.

  • Impacted players: This includes Addin Fonua-Blake (England), Briton Nikora (New Zealand), and Victor Radley (England).

  • Stated desires: Both Fonua-Blake and Nikora have expressed a strong wish to play in the State of Origin series.

Sharks Duo Declare Origin Intentions

Briton Nikora, who moved to the Gold Coast from New Zealand at the age of nine, is now eligible to represent Queensland. He has indicated that he would be open to playing for the Maroons.

‘I won’t back down’: Sharks duo to chase Origin dream despite star prop’s QLD link - 3

Addin Fonua-Blake, despite spending his formative years in Brisbane, has affirmed his commitment to New South Wales. He stated that he moved to Sydney around the age of five, which aligns with NSW eligibility. He has made it clear he "won't back down" from his ambition to play Origin.

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‘I won’t back down’: Sharks duo to chase Origin dream despite star prop’s QLD link - 4

  • Nikora's eligibility: Queensland, due to his childhood relocation.

  • Fonua-Blake's eligibility: New South Wales, based on his long-term residency in Sydney.

Historical Context of Origin Selection and Player Choices

The State of Origin series is a fiercely contested annual competition between representative teams of New South Wales and Queensland. Player eligibility has historically been a complex issue, often revolving around birthplace, parentage, and residency.

  • Past challenges: Players with international commitments have often faced a choice between representing their country or pursuing an Origin career.

  • Recent examples: Nicho Hynes, a key player for the Sharks, has experienced the emotional toll of Origin selection decisions, notably being on the bench during a crucial game in 2023. His resilience and form have been noted as he continues to perform at a high level for his club.

  • Club aspirations: Some teams, like the Cronulla Sharks, have previously reached significant stages such as a Grand Final without players who participated in the Origin series, highlighting the depth and talent within clubs. Teig Wilton and Jesse Colquhoun are other Sharks players who have been on the periphery of representative selection, indicating a growing pool of talent within the club.

Strategic Implications for Clubs and States

The eligibility changes and player declarations have potential implications for both the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks club and the NSW and QLD state teams. Coaches and selectors will need to assess the form and availability of these players as they consider their Origin squads.

Read More: New Rules Let Players Play for New Zealand or England and Still Play State of Origin

  • Club perspective: The Sharks will need to manage the potential absence of key players like Fonua-Blake and Nikora should they be selected for Origin duty.

  • State perspective: Both NSW and QLD will have new options to consider, potentially strengthening their rosters. Payne Haas, a star prop, has faced injury concerns leading up to past Origin series, illustrating the constant management of player fitness.

  • Player pathways: The revised rules create a more fluid pathway for players with international experience to participate in the elite domestic representative level.

Expert Commentary and Future Considerations

The evolving nature of player eligibility in rugby league continues to be a subject of discussion. While the exact criteria and future adjustments remain to be seen, the current reforms have undeniably broadened the scope of potential Origin candidates.

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  • Impact on the game: The ability for dual-international players to participate in Origin could elevate the already high standard of the series.

  • Player loyalty: The decisions made by players like Fonua-Blake and Nikora underscore the personal significance of representing their chosen state.

Conclusion

The recent adjustments to State of Origin eligibility rules have significantly impacted player recruitment and aspirations. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks players Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora have seized this opportunity, publicly expressing their ambition to represent New South Wales and Queensland, respectively. Their declarations highlight the new pathways available and the continued importance of the Origin series in the rugby league calendar. The strategic decisions of both state selectors and club management will be crucial in navigating these changes.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why can some players now play in the State of Origin?
New rules let players who played for other countries, like England or New Zealand, now play for New South Wales or Queensland.
Q: Which Sharks players want to play?
Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora have said they want to play in the State of Origin.
Q: Which team might Briton Nikora play for?
Briton Nikora might play for Queensland because he grew up there.
Q: Which team might Addin Fonua-Blake play for?
Addin Fonua-Blake wants to play for New South Wales because he has lived there for a long time.