NRL flag changes to 'pretty stupid' State of Origin rule

1 September 2020 at 2:06 am·3-min read

NRL boss Peter V'landys has flagged major changes to State of Origin selection criteria, and openly mulled over when the series will take place. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

State of Origin could be set for a permanent move after ARLC chairman Pete V'landys flagged radical changes to the NRL's showpiece event and eligibility laws.

In a shake up from the regular mid-season events, the three-game series will run over consecutive weeks in November starting just 10 days after the NRL grand final.

SHOCK RESULT: Cronulla star facing four-year ban over drugs saga

'PLAYING GAMES': Coach confronts Cam Smith over NRL 'soap opera'

And if it's a roaring success with broadcasters, V'landys will consider making the switch to the end of the season for good.

"It's an interesting experiment this year playing State of Origin after the season because it also ensures the integrity of the game throughout the year, because you haven't got that break where the good teams lose out because all their good players are playing State of Origin," he told Channel Nine.

"If it rates the roof off, it could be a permanent change to have it after the season.

"When we've given our schedule and structure for next season to the broadcasters, we have put both, the State of Origin in the middle and after.

"Because if it's a success and rates the roof off, we may leave it until after the season's finished."

It sets up the 2020 series as a litmus test as the position of Origin within a season has long been debated due to the interruption to the regular competition.

Any change to the regular format would have a significant impact on the NRL with clubs able to keep their Origin stars throughout their entire premiership season.

And it's not the only change he's looking at.

NRL flags major changes to Origin criteria

V'landys said the ARLC will also consider moving international Tests to mid-season, as well as changing eligibility rules for Origin players.

Currently players must be eligible and elect to play for Australia to be selected to play Origin, and must not have represented England or New Zealand.

"Should players from Polynesian countries who play for the Polynesian countries be allowed to play State of Origin? We're reviewing that as we speak," he said.

"The NSW coach (Brad Fittler) has been vocal with me that we should have the best players in the State of Origin and I agree with him.

James Tedesco of the Blues poses with fans after winning game three of the 2019 State of Origin series. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

"So we need to look at that. I think it's a pretty stupid rule where we force all our players to play for Australia.

"If they want to play for Tonga or Samoa, let them. Because that only strengthens the international game.

"But don't stop them from playing State of Origin and the New Zealand players for that matter. So the international (schedule) may have to work around that."