The new changes to the State of Origin eligibility rules has raised questions whether it should open up to Victorian players with Melbourne Storm star Sua Fa’alogo currently excluded from the spectacle. The Australian Rugby League Commission announced on Monday the State of Origin rules were relaxed to allow players from other tier one representatives – other than Australia – play Origin if they meet the criteria.
Players who fall into this category include Briton Nikora, Addin Fonua-Blake, AJ Brimson and Casey McLean. Fonua-Blake is the biggest name with calls for the Sharks front-rower to come straight into the NSW Blues side.
The new changes to the State of Origin eligibility rules has raised questions whether it should open up to such Melbourne Storm star Sua Fa’alogo (pictured far left) who grew up playing Victorian rugby league. (Getty Images)
The rule changes help the international game with players no longer needing to turn their back on their country to play in the series. This should only strengthen New Zealand or England. Fans will also benefit if big names such as Fonua-Blake are selected for State of Origin.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys claimed the move is more in line with the direction the NRL is moving. There is no doubt it opens the game’s biggest spectacle up to more stars to get involved.
However, the likes of Corey Parker and Greg Alexander have questioned whether the game needs to extend eligibility to Victorian players because they fall outside the parameters. Currently, Victorians can’t play in State of Origin unless they have moved to NSW or Queensland before turning 13. Or represented a club in either state or their father played for either team.
But talented Storm fullback Fa’alogo falls outside the criteria because he is a Victorian rugby league product. Fa’alogo moved to Australia, from Samoa, at 13 years old. During his time at the Storm, he has played in both the QLD Cup and NSW Cup as part of Melbourne’s feeder teams. While the contest is between Queensland and NSW, the ARLC’s decision to open up the playing field to New Zealand or English-born stars has raised some questions.
And Parker suggested if they were opening up the eligibility criteria than they might need to re-think the rules for players like Fa’alogo. “It’s a good question though,” Parker said when it was put to him. “If you want the best players…he is Victorian, he is an Australian…I don’t know.”
Penrith legend Greg Alexander asked if they could bring in a rule to allow Victorians who played in NSW or Queensland at any stage to become eligible. “What rule would they bring in to determine that…would it be where you played your first senior footy?” Alexander asked.
Parker agreed with SEN host Jimmy Smith and said maybe Victorians should be able to choose. “If you are playing rugby league in Victoria, you should be able to play State of Origin, are we happy with the old, ‘NSW will do, or Queensland will do?'” he added.
Sua Fa’alogo (pictured) won’t be able to play State of Origin, despite the relaxing of the eligibility restrictions. (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)Sua Fa’alogo looking to cement Melbourne Storm jersey
Despite the debate, Fa’alogo still hasn’t locked down the Storm’s fullback position. The 22-year-old appears to be getting first crack in the No.1 jersey after Ryan Papenhuyzen’s exit from the club at the end of 2025 and fans are eager to see the exciting talent get an extended run.
Although there will be pressure on the fullback to perform with Nick Meaney also waiting in the wings if there are any setbacks. But Fa’alogo has already shown his talent for the Storm when given the chance by Craig Bellamy at fullback or on the wing.