After becoming the first-ever Tier Two nation to advance to a Rugby League World Cup final, Samoa now looks incredibly likely to be bumped into the top tier of international teams.
Samoa’s move to tier one will cause one major issue according to the current rules, as any player who represents either New Zealand or England cannot play Origin.
Seven of Samoa’s current squad will be ruled out of the 2023 Origin series if they are bumped up to tier one, as calls for a change to the eligibility rules continue to lead the conversation.
With plenty of ideas being floated to allow Samoan players to remain at the Origin level, The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio noted his belief in a complete overhaul of the current system.
“I think it’s inevitable that they do make that elevation up to a tier one nation, when you consider the influence of so many New South Wales players in this Samoan team, I think we are heading down a path of an overhaul of the State of Origin eligibility rules,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Not only the rise and success on the international stage but also to the influence of Pacific origin related players that are playing in the NRL, it’s a huge percentage.
“This is going to be something I think that is bound to happen, I think there is going to be an Origin overhaul, Freddy (Brad Fittler) is saying it is almost certain to be discussed.
“I’m a little bit torn, but then I sense as far as saying you’re only eligible for Australia to represent New South Wales or Queensland, but I also see where the game is changing,” Riccio said.
“I would think that it would be to Origin’s detriment if we continued down the current rules and eligible path.”
SEN’s Andrew Voss slammed the sentiment that the rise of international rugby league will dampen the quality of Origin.
“I think it’s bs that we are talking in this context, all we are talking about is how important state of origin is to us, that is so wrong,” Voss said.
“Open your eyes, open your ears, so what has happened here at this Rugby League World Cup, Tonga v Samoa v New Zealand is their own competition that can be as good as state of Origin.
“The rugby league will be better for all of us if we put a bit of energy into those nations playing each other at the same time.”
Australia and Samoa will contest the Final of the Rugby League World Cup on Sunday morning from Old Trafford.