NRL Rule change positive for Pacific Island national teams & players
International league is headed for one of the biggest shake-ups in the history of the sport.
A radical eligibility proposal - which will change the equation for the nations outside the big three of Australia, New Zealand and England - has been approved by the Rugby League International Federation.
The Herald on Sunday reported yesterday that:
• Eligible players can nominate one tier one nation to represent and one tier two nation.
• Players can switch between their two countries multiple times within a World Cup cycle.
• There is no stand-down between a change of allegiance.
• Players of Polynesian heritage can play State of Origin but still be available to turn out for their native island country.
It's a big move. League has always had a chequered history with eligibility - mainly due to the professional base of the sport being limited to two countries - but it feels like this is the best solution so far.
It will also take some of the heartache and angst away for players like Solomone Kata and David Fusitua, who have played for Tonga in the past but are currently in the Kiwis train-on squad for the Four Nations. In the past there has been considerable pressure on some players, torn between the wishes of their families and their personal aspirations.
Source: NZ Herald Sports
You can read the full article on the New Zealand Herald site here.
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