State of Origin Eligibility Shake-Up: Phil Gould Backs “Sensible” Rule Change, Opening Doors for Sharks Stars
Rugby league legend Phil Gould has thrown his full support behind the recent changes to the State of Origin eligibility rules, labelling them a “sensible” and much-needed adjustment to the game. The NRL’s decision to allow players to represent Queensland or New South Wales, even if they have previously played for a tier-one nation like England or New Zealand, is poised to benefit several players, most notably two Cronulla Sharks stars.
Previously, a player who had donned the jersey for England or New Zealand was automatically ineligible for the coveted State of Origin arena. This strict interpretation has now been dismantled, a move that has understandably sparked debate among some traditionalists. However, Gould, speaking on Six Tackles With Gus, firmly believes the change is a positive step forward for the sport’s future.
“It’s a more sensible rule now,” Gould stated, highlighting that the focus shouldn’t solely be on who qualifies for Origin in the current season. Instead, he emphasised the long-term implications for junior development and player pathways.
A Future Built on Inclusivity: Nurturing Talent from All Backgrounds
Gould pointed to the changing landscape of junior representative teams and academy programs, which are increasingly dominated by players of Pacific Island heritage. Many of these young athletes are second and third-generation Australians, with families often making significant sacrifices, including relocating their children before the age of 13 to ensure eligibility for Australian representative teams.
“We don’t want kids at very young ages having to decide whether or not they want to represent their country or be eligible to play State of Origin footy,” Gould explained. “Or they’re made to make a decision between Australia and their country, which they shouldn’t have to do.”
His long-held view has been that players should have the flexibility to represent their chosen country while also being eligible for State of Origin if they meet the criteria. This new rule, he believes, finally aligns with that principle.
“It’s not so much about now and whether or not Addin Fonua-Blake can force his way into the Origin side. It’s about kids growing up in our academy programs now not having to make that decision at a young age, knowing that they can play for their country,” Gould added.
Sharks Stars Poised to Benefit
The most prominent beneficiary of this rule change is undoubtedly Cronulla’s powerhouse prop, Addin Fonua-Blake. Widely regarded as one of the game’s premier front-rowers, Fonua-Blake’s State of Origin aspirations were previously blocked due to a single Test match appearance for New Zealand nearly a decade ago. Despite subsequently pledging his allegiance to Tonga and becoming a leader for the nation, the former Kiwis appearance rendered him ineligible for New South Wales.
Under the new regulations, however, Fonua-Blake is now a shoo-in to partner Payne Haas in the Blues’ formidable front-row. He has openly admitted that the previous rules did impact him, but he remains open to the possibility of representing NSW.
“At the time, yeah [it bothered me] but I just got on with my life,” Fonua-Blake told 9News Sydney. “If I’m blessed enough to perform well and get the call-up, who wouldn’t be going at the opportunity to play? The physicality you know, the refs are a bit more lenient and that’s the game I fell in love with when I was younger, the brutality of it all.” He also shared that his childhood mates often tease him about not having played for the Blues.
Fonua-Blake’s journey with the NSW system dates back to his teenage years, where he donned the Blues jersey. He fondly recalled the early beginnings of his rivalry with Queensland, recalling a victory against the Maroons and the inherent dislike that comes with Origin.
But Fonua-Blake isn’t the only Sharks enforcer who stands to gain from these rule adjustments. Briton Nikora, a consistent performer for the New Zealand Kiwis and a highly-rated edge forward, grew up in Queensland after the age of nine. His formative years were spent on the Gold Coast, attending Keebra Park High School. If selected, Nikora would bring a significant injection of power and skill to Billy Slater’s Maroons side.
Other Potential Impacted Players
Beyond the Sharks duo, other players could also find themselves in contention for Origin selection under the revised rules. AJ Brimson, who last year opted to represent England in the Ashes and World Cup, had previously played for Queensland. The new eligibility framework means he is now free to be selected for the Maroons once again, a scenario that was previously impossible.
“It doesn’t affect us – he should have the right to do so,” Gould commented on players like Brimson. He dismissed concerns from some older voices who suggest players might lack passion if they have allegiances elsewhere.
“A lot of these really good players that come through our system, they’re already playing junior rep football for NSW and Queensland on the way up and I’ve always said if you qualify for that, you should be able to play at the big time too.”
Gould reiterated his belief that for many Pacific Island players, their identity is deeply rooted in Australia, despite their heritage. “They were born here, schooled here, educated here, played their junior football here, go through academy programs – but family and national heritage is so important,” he said. He concluded by emphasizing that when it comes to national pride, “when you put your hand on your heart and listen to the national anthem, there’s only one that stirs you, and that’s the one you play for.”
Other notable players who could be affected by these eligibility shifts include Casey McLean, Victor Radley, Sam Walker, and potentially Jahrome Hughes.
