Got this off NRL.com
https://www.nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tabid/76/NewsId/874/Default.aspx
ARL to review availability rules
Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 5:52 AM
The ARL has revealed plans for a major overhaul of its rules regarding representative availability which may allow Ben Kennedy to turn his back on representative football following next month's Test.
Kennedy on Thursday reversed his decision to retire from representative football with an eye to playing in next month's trans-Tasman clash against New Zealand.
But as rules stand currently, his about-face also made him eligible for NSW selection in this year's State of Origin series.
It is believed Kennedy only came out of retirement to play in the May 5 encounter on the urgings of new Australian coach Ricky Stuart, with the veteran Manly forward less than enthusiastic about the prospect of also playing in another interstate series.
"I said all along that I didn't have a decision to make because no-one had asked me to play rep footy," Kennedy said.
"That changed, I did get asked to reconsider my retirement so I've done that.
"As the rules stand today I have to make myself available for NSW if I want to play in the Test and I'm happy to go by the rules."
But in light of Kennedy's situation, and that of Newcastle maestro Andrew Johns - who also plans to hang up his representative boots after one last hurrah against the Kiwis - ARL chief executive Geoff Carr said there would be a review of guidelines.
"Recently, we have been involved in discussion along the lines of looking at adjusting the rules to cater for what is always going to be only a small number of ageing superstars," Carr said in a statement.
"There will probably always exist for a coach and selectors the temptation to invite back as a one-off measure an exempted star player when sudden injuries or other factors have cut a huge hole in a rep team.
"But we are dedicated to making any adjustments we believe necessary, in tune with the times - and to have the right procedures firmly in place."
Carr said he hoped to have the new guidelines in force ahead of this year's Origin series, backing down from claims he made earlier in the day when he said Kennedy would not be able to pick and choose which representative games he played.
"They're either available for rep footy or they're not and that's what they apply to do," Carr said on Sydney radio station 2KY.
"That's what Ben's applied to do and he's asked to be withdrawn."
Had Kennedy declined to play to play for NSW, the ARL had the power to stand him down from NRL games with Manly which he would have missed had he been in the Blues squad.
Kennedy would not elaborate on whether Stuart had asked him to play against the Kiwis, but said he had received a lot of backing to make himself available.
"I rang Joey, (manager) Mick (Newton) and I spoke to (Manly coach) Des (Hasler), basically everyone I spoke to wanted me to reconsider, thought it was a great idea that I do reconsider and make myself available for selection," Kennedy said.
If the rules were to remain as they are today and Kennedy was forced to play for NSW, Blues selector Laurie Daley said he would have no hesitation in picking the workaholic backrower.
"Even if they're not (keen on playing), when they get there they'll want to play well anyhow, you're own personal pride regardless of what sort of stage your on, you always want to play well," Daley said.
Talk about changing the rules to suit yourself. Wonder if theyll discuss Karbuncle Lump playing both SOO and for the Kiwis? Yeah right
https://www.nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tabid/76/NewsId/874/Default.aspx
ARL to review availability rules
Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 5:52 AM
The ARL has revealed plans for a major overhaul of its rules regarding representative availability which may allow Ben Kennedy to turn his back on representative football following next month's Test.
Kennedy on Thursday reversed his decision to retire from representative football with an eye to playing in next month's trans-Tasman clash against New Zealand.
But as rules stand currently, his about-face also made him eligible for NSW selection in this year's State of Origin series.
It is believed Kennedy only came out of retirement to play in the May 5 encounter on the urgings of new Australian coach Ricky Stuart, with the veteran Manly forward less than enthusiastic about the prospect of also playing in another interstate series.
"I said all along that I didn't have a decision to make because no-one had asked me to play rep footy," Kennedy said.
"That changed, I did get asked to reconsider my retirement so I've done that.
"As the rules stand today I have to make myself available for NSW if I want to play in the Test and I'm happy to go by the rules."
But in light of Kennedy's situation, and that of Newcastle maestro Andrew Johns - who also plans to hang up his representative boots after one last hurrah against the Kiwis - ARL chief executive Geoff Carr said there would be a review of guidelines.
"Recently, we have been involved in discussion along the lines of looking at adjusting the rules to cater for what is always going to be only a small number of ageing superstars," Carr said in a statement.
"There will probably always exist for a coach and selectors the temptation to invite back as a one-off measure an exempted star player when sudden injuries or other factors have cut a huge hole in a rep team.
"But we are dedicated to making any adjustments we believe necessary, in tune with the times - and to have the right procedures firmly in place."
Carr said he hoped to have the new guidelines in force ahead of this year's Origin series, backing down from claims he made earlier in the day when he said Kennedy would not be able to pick and choose which representative games he played.
"They're either available for rep footy or they're not and that's what they apply to do," Carr said on Sydney radio station 2KY.
"That's what Ben's applied to do and he's asked to be withdrawn."
Had Kennedy declined to play to play for NSW, the ARL had the power to stand him down from NRL games with Manly which he would have missed had he been in the Blues squad.
Kennedy would not elaborate on whether Stuart had asked him to play against the Kiwis, but said he had received a lot of backing to make himself available.
"I rang Joey, (manager) Mick (Newton) and I spoke to (Manly coach) Des (Hasler), basically everyone I spoke to wanted me to reconsider, thought it was a great idea that I do reconsider and make myself available for selection," Kennedy said.
If the rules were to remain as they are today and Kennedy was forced to play for NSW, Blues selector Laurie Daley said he would have no hesitation in picking the workaholic backrower.
"Even if they're not (keen on playing), when they get there they'll want to play well anyhow, you're own personal pride regardless of what sort of stage your on, you always want to play well," Daley said.
Talk about changing the rules to suit yourself. Wonder if theyll discuss Karbuncle Lump playing both SOO and for the Kiwis? Yeah right
