The big issue over the last couple of weeks seem to revolve around the upcoming representative season.
For most supporters of Rugby League it gives most of us,both Kiwis and Aussies alike,a sick feeling to see James Tamou put on the green and gold for the upcoming match against New Zealand. Tamou was born in New Zealand, was in the train in squad for the four nations, is of Maori heritage and has clearly taken an opportunity because he was knocked back for a spot within the Kiwi squad.
I have a huge problem with this, especially if players are pledging allegiance with Australia, purely so that they can play State of Origin. A classic example of this is Tonie Carroll, who played for Qld, Australia and New Zealand.Of course he played for Qld first and although I wouldn't have liked him omitted from Origin his heart was obviously to play for New Zealand.
Personally I believe that we should let players play state of origin if they have played their first games in either state but still opt to play for their home countries if they still wish. Jack Reed is one player that springs to mind for me. Even though he would be eligible to play State of Origin, he has opted to play for England and therefore omitted from origin, even though he has lived here most of his life and would no doubt be of benefit for the Cane Toads. Another example is Karmichael Hunt, would he have played for Australia if he could have played State of Origin, regardless of whether he played for the Kiwis?
I also think that if players could play for their country of heritage without expulsion from origin, it would further enhance the representation of the game on an international level. Robbie Farah expressed his wishes to play for Lebanon, yet of course if he were to change preferences then he wouldn't be eligible to play state of origin.
Some fans will say that by giving players free will to play for their countries of birth, it would water down the state of origin series and there would be an influx of international players taking over the contest. But really isn't that already the case?
It may go to prove that players will choose to play for Australia anyway, but I don't believe that they should be blackmailed into missing out on the toughest contest in Rugby League purely because they want to play for their home country. If the Australian team has to win by taking a couple of players from the kiwis then it doesn't make the victory very sweet, at least not for me anyway.
Tell us what you think. Should players be allowed to play state of origin and still play for their home countries?
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