NRL Implements Historic State of Origin Eligibility Overhaul
The National Rugby League has enacted sweeping changes to the eligibility criteria for State of Origin, fundamentally altering the selection landscape for both New South Wales and Queensland. These historic modifications mean numerous star players across the competition who were previously barred from selection will now become available for the prestigious interstate series.
Breaking Down the Rule Changes
Previously, players born in or who had represented tier one nations such as New Zealand and England were completely ineligible to represent either NSW or Queensland in State of Origin matches. This longstanding restriction has now been completely discarded with the implementation of new, more flexible eligibility criteria that opens the door to a wider pool of talent.
Five Previously Ineligible Players Now in Contention
Here are the five most likely players, previously barred from selection, who could now feature prominently in this year's State of Origin series following the dramatic rule changes.
Addin Fonua-Blake
The Cronulla Sharks forward, pictured in 2019 while representing New Zealand, would provide the Blues with another world-class forward option. Fonua-Blake has emerged as the player most NRL fans are speculating will represent NSW in 2026. Despite having already played for New Zealand internationally, he is now eligible for NSW selection because he was born in North Sydney. The former Warriors enforcer, born in Meadowbank, "walks into the NSW side" according to Queensland legend Corey Parker. If selected, Fonua-Blake would likely join Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas in the state's formidable forward pack. The ruthless prop has played two matches for New Zealand and, more recently, eighteen games for Tonga at international level.
Briton Nikora
The twenty-eight-year-old backrower is another Cronulla Sharks player tipped to feature in State of Origin this year. Despite being a club teammate of Addin Fonua-Blake, Nikora would face off against him in the Origin arena if selected for opposing states. Nikora has established himself as one of the most reliable players in the NRL and has played starring roles for New Zealand across multiple Pacific Championships campaigns. Although born in New Zealand, he played his junior football for the Pagewood Sharks in Southport. Nikora scored seven tries in twenty-three appearances for Cronulla in 2025 and is expected to improve further in the 2026 season.
AJ Brimson
The Queensland utility back, who participated in an Origin-winning campaign in 2020, has already represented Queensland in multiple Origin matches. However, it was widely believed his state representative career had ended after a decision last year to change his international allegiance. The versatile back officially switched his allegiance from Australia to England in May last year, making him eligible through his mother's heritage. This decision allowed him to play in the Ashes series for England against Australia. However, due to the new rule changes, Brimson will again be able to suit up in Queensland's customary maroon jersey. He will face stiff competition for both the fullback and utility positions, likely competing against Reece Walsh and Harry Grant for selection.
Casey McLean
The Penrith Panthers young gun, born in Blacktown, is another player who may now star for his state after previously being ineligible for Origin selection. McLean was barred from the Origin arena after having represented New Zealand at international level. He will now be able to join fellow Western Sydney products Stephen Crichton, Brian To'o, and Jarome Luai as potential Blues players if selected. The twenty-year-old played his first full season of first-grade rugby league in 2025 and has scored eight tries in four matches for his country across two Pacific Championships events.
Victor Radley
Radley has previously represented New South Wales at Origin level, but it was widely believed his Blues career had ended after he chose to represent England internationally. The hard-hitting Sydney Roosters lock switched his international allegiance through his father's heritage, a move that under the old rules would have permanently ruled him out of further Origin selection. That decision saw him commit to England on the international stage. However, following the sweeping eligibility changes implemented this season, Radley is once again eligible to wear the Blues jersey. He will now push to reclaim a spot in the NSW middle rotation, where competition for positions remains particularly fierce.
Eligibility Verification Required
It should be noted that North Queensland Cowboys and Tonga enforcer Jason Taumalolo, along with Melbourne Storm and New Zealand halfback Jahrome Hughes, still need to prove their eligibility before they can be selected for State of Origin under the new rules. The verification process will determine whether these additional star players can join the expanded pool of Origin-eligible talent.
