The NRL just unveiled a staggering Origin eligibility overhaul… here’s what it means

So how does the eligibility shift change the face of the game? Here, foxsports.com.au answers all the biggest questions after the ARLC’s big decision!

WHO COULD JOIN ORIGIN SELECTION EQUATIONS?

Payne Haas and Addin Fonua-Blake in the front row for NSW?

That thought was previously a pipe dream, but could now become a reality.

Fonua-Blake is one of several players who can now play Origin, with the Sharks enforcer having been ruled out due to a single New Zealand Test appearance in 2017.

However, Fonua-Blake still meets the core eligibility criteria which remains in place, and is as follows:

– The player was born in New South Wales or Queensland; or

– The player resided in New South Wales or Queensland prior to their 13th birthday; or

– The player’s father played State of Origin.

The 30-year-old then switched allegiance to represent Tonga, going on to play 16 Tests from 2017 to 2025.

Elsewhere, Roosters enforcer Victor Radley announced he would represent England in 2022, blocking him from ever playing for NSW.

AJ Brimson, after featuring four times for Queensland, also made the same switch ahead of the 2025 Ashes series — but both now can re-join selection equations.

Interestingly, Isaiya Katoa can now also play for NSW and New Zealand, where he was born.

The talented playmaker moved across the Tasman and attended school in Sydney, but also has Tongan heritage and has played 11 Tests for the pacific nation.

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Current Kiwi stars Casey McLean and Briton Nikora can also respresent NSW, while Jason Taumalolo can play Origin after playing for New Zealand in 2014.

Ultimately, each of these players will need to be picked by Billy Slater and Laurie Daley — but they add an extra layer to each team’s selection equation.

Meanwhile, Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo remains ineligible to play for Queensland, having moved to Australia after his 13th birthday.

Players who could now play State of Origin:

Victor Radley – NSW

Addin Fonua-Blake – NSW

Briton Nikora – NSW
Casey McLean – NSW

Isaiya Katoa – NSW

AJ Brimson – QLD

Phoenix Crossland – NSW

Jeremy Marshall-King – NSW

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak – NSW

Jason Taumalolo – QLD

Kalyn Ponga is also an interesting figure following the Origin refresh, so what does his future look like?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR PONGA?

Kalyn Ponga’s international future has been up in the air for several years.

The talented fullback played for Australia in a Nines tournament in 2019, aligning himself with the Kangaroos to allow him to play for Queensland in the Origin showcase.

The 27-year-old was born in Port Hedland in Western Australia, before moving to Palmerston North on New Zealand’s north island and ultimately landing in Queensland before his 13th birthday.

He has both Australian and Kiwi heritage — and now in the new system he can choose who he wants to represent.

Previously, Ponga controversially pulled out of Kangaroos selection equations in 2024 to focus on his Knights pre-season.

He has also been public about his desire to one day represent New Zealand in the past, but the major sticking point was the fact it ruled him out of Queensland selection equations.

However, should he decide to represent the Kiwis, a final hurdle remains.

The International Rugby League board must approve his allegiance switch — but the fact he has not featured in a Test match would boost his chances.

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Previously Eels gun Dylan Walker attempted to switch allegiance from Australia to New Zealand in a bid to play in the 2022 World Cup, but was denied.

Now Ponga can play for the Kiwis without the fear of ending his Queensland future.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR PLAYERS IN THE FUTURE

Let’s use Kaeo Weekes as an example.

The Raiders fullback had a stellar 2025 campaign and his name deservedly came up in international selection equations at the end of the season.

Weekes was said to have been approached by the NZRL board to play for New Zealand, but instead opted to keep his hopes of an Origin debut with Queensland alive.

Players moving forward will not have to deal with this headache and can say yes to both opportunities should they arise.

In the past, players have opted to represent tier two nations like Samoa and Tonga in order to be able to feature for NSW or Queensland.

However, the latest move could strengthen international rugby league as a whole.

Both New Zealand and England won’t lose players because they want to keep their Origin dream alive and therefore could field their best available team.

Katoa, as an example, has been earmarked as a Blues halfback of the future and representing Tonga allowed him to keep that avenue open.

Now one of the game’s best rising playmakers could make his Blues debut and also help the Kiwis’ bid to win the 2026 World Cup.

While a player of his quality opting out of playing for Tonga, other stars could become available to represent the pacific nation.

Not only is the rule overhaul a clear path forward for the next generational of talent — the ARLC’s decision makes the international game all the more interesting.

AND THE TIER SYSTEM?

The tier system is now essentially redundant, specifically when it comes to the Origin eligibility debate — not the remainder of Test football decisions.

Australia, New Zealand and England remain the tier one nations as per the International Rugby League board.

Meanwhile, tier two nations are full members of the IRL, with the exception of those three countries.

Players could represent tier two nations, and also NSW and Queensland in the Origin arena.

But the new changes essentially flatten the tier system, meaning the same rules apply for both tier one and tier two nations.

Players are also unable to represent two different tier one nations without being given an exemption.

And under no circumstances can players who opt to feature for England, then play for Australia and New Zealand and vice versa.

However, players can move between tier one and tier two nations, but they must nominate which team they will play for three weeks prior to the opening match of the tournament they will feature in.

Previously, players like Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton and Jarome Luai have opted to play for Samoa, — a tier two nation, and also play for NSW.