Rugby league legend Andrew Johns has sounded the alarm about the future of State of Origin, warning that if eligibility rules don’t change soon, the iconic series could be unrecognisable within two decades.
The former Blues halfback made the bold prediction in his Fairfax column, expressing deep concern about the direction the game is heading. Johns believes Origin could be filled with second-tier players if current trends continue.
‘And if you make them choose between countries like Tonga and Samoa or Origin, then, with the greatest of respect, you’ll end up with reserve grade front-rowers playing for NSW and Queensland in 20 years’ time,’ Johns wrote.
His comments come amid growing concerns over player defection, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow the latest Kangaroos star to confirm he is considering switching his allegiance to Samoa at the end of the year.
He follows teammates Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who are also weighing similar moves.
At the heart of the debate is the current tiered international system. Under existing rules, players who opt to represent tier-one nations like New Zealand or England become ineligible for State of Origin.
Andrew Johns fears that State of Origin could be filled with second tier players if current eligibility issues are not resolved
New South Wales enforcer Payne Haas has signalled his intent to play for Samoa at the end of this season
Maroons livewire Hamiso Tabui-Fidow is also considering playing for Samoa instead of Australia
However, those who choose tier-two nations like Samoa and Tonga can continue to play both Origin and international rugby league.
Johns believes the tier system is outdated and should be scrapped altogether.
He argues that while players who were in New South Wales or Queensland before high school should remain eligible for Origin, they must commit to one nation and stick with it.
‘The argument of Origin being a selection trial for Australia is undermined by the nature of our game and the Polynesian influence on the playing ranks,’ Johns wrote.
‘Given the way the game is going with 52 per cent of players boasting Pasifika heritage, they’re going to keep dominating.’
Johns suggests that a rule change would benefit both the international game and the prestige of Origin.
He also proposed a solution to strengthen New Zealand’s player pathways: the next NRL expansion team should be based in Christchurch to develop more Kiwi talent.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga echoed many of Johns’ concerns during an interview on SENQ Breakfast, saying the eligibility rules allow players to switch nations far too easily.
Australian coach Mal Meninga is worried about the player drain with so many players switching allegiances to tier two nations like Tonga and Samoa
‘(Before agreeing to being called up) Know you want to put a green and gold jersey on. It has to come from the heart,’ Meninga said.
‘But if you’ve got doubt in your mind … I mean, I class myself as an Australian–South Sea Islander, but I’m Australian first.’
Meninga made it clear he supports players honouring their heritage but believes there must be consistency in national allegiance.
He warned that Australia may soon have to reassess how State of Origin eligibility is handled.
‘At some stage, we need to make a decision,’ he said. ‘It doesn’t affect Origin … but at some stage, there’s got to be parity.’
Meninga is also calling for players to lock in their national allegiance when they sign their first NRL contract.
He believes this would bring clarity and help prevent the current confusion around eligibility.
Former NRL player Dean Widders has added another layer to the conversation, calling for an Indigenous team to compete in the Pacific Championships.
A decision needs to be made on whether players like Haas and Tabui-Fidow will remain eligible to play State of Origin
Speaking on National Indigenous Television, Widders said Indigenous stars like Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell, and Josh Addo-Carr were left without a representative platform during last year’s World Cup.
‘We need to find a platform for our players to perform at the highest level,’ Widders said. ‘I keep pushing the barrow of the Pacific Cup.’
The proposal, however, has faced resistance over fears it could create division within the game.
Meninga warned that introducing such a concept could lead to an Australian team that is ‘white-only’.
‘I think it would (become white-only),’ Meninga told Fox Sports. ‘For me there is no reason why we can’t celebrate our history and our heritage.’
He insisted that First Nations players already have the opportunity to excel at the top level, and he continues to select players like Mitchell, Addo-Carr, and Tabuai-Fidow with pride.
‘We have an everlasting respect for First Nations people in representative teams,’ Meninga said.
Despite the debate, Meninga maintains there is no bias in team selection. ‘And if a First Nations person by heritage is good enough to be picked in the Australia team, we do that,’ he said.
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