So they have levelled the playing field somewhat so it's not just Queensland is everywhere now?
International "Changes to SOO"
- Thread starter SBW1
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I'm all for it! It's a win/ win for rugby league. Union imo is in the worse state it has been in since the early 2000's when the AB's mearly won a match. Now's the perfect time to attract more kids to play league. Our game is on such a rise & now with the eligibilty rule, it's only going to attract more players. The more kids playing here, the more juniors we have come through the system. It's only going to the strengthen international game too.
I suspect some people are misinterpreting what this change actually means. A NZ born player, who lived in NZ till their teens DOES NOT qualify to play SOO.
What it does help with is people like Ben Te Kura who has NZ parents, born in NSW, dreams of playing for QLD, that he can play SOO for QLD AND represent NZ at the same time. Previously players had to choose between SOO (Australia) or NZ (Tier 1).
Yeah man, u watch Paul Kent lose his shit
If the NZ born player moved to the state before the age of 13 there's still a chance they choose Australia as well, but most of the time it will likely be repping the state and NZ.
Piakura was born & raised in Oz. Has a cook island parent and no connection to NZ.
There were a couple of journos on 360 last year who said the criteria needed to change, but those from the glory years like Gordie were still trying to hold onto the "Kangaroos only" mantra. It was inevitable as it could no longer be said it was the best the states could offer and for spectacle last seasons Pacific Cup actually had the edge.Yeah man, u watch Paul Kent lose his shit
Wahs_Ultras
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I guess the Cook Islands is a NZ territory so surely could still represent Nz? Haven’t read that deep into the rules tbh. Another potential player could be Val Holmes?
Piakura wouldn’t get near a kiwis jumper
The Cooks isn't a NZ Territory. It is self-governing state in "free association" with New Zealand. Val maybe , Because his father is from NZ.
Val has already played for Australia.
I’ve semi boycotted origin the last ten years- Ive watched it but with a chip on my shoulder.
I’m actually going to enjoy it again now it’s not being used to fark us over.
I’ve semi boycotted origin the last ten years- Ive watched it but with a chip on my shoulder.
I’m actually going to enjoy it again now it’s not being used to fark us over.
So have I brother.
Yeah do we really think Kaeo Weekes, Ethan Strange etc would choose NZ over Aus despite being eligible? Hasn't really been documented how much they value their Kiwi heritage over where they were born/grew up.
Not everyone is like Casey McLean
Being able to now play SOO moves the needle but we don't know by how much.
Kalyn Ponga I think is a good chance given all his signalling over the past few months.
Given Kaeo's grandfather was a St George Dragon & Kangaroo rep. I'd think his footy aspirations is to follow in his papa's footsteps.
Who knows with Ethan Strange. His sister played for the māori in the weekend. And her father coached the māori Wahine. Jasmin was named in the wider ferns squad last year. So must of committed to NZ.
Hopefully Jasmin has been in Ethan's ear about joining the Kiwis.
selector
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After an amazing season, Canberra’s Kaeo Weekes would have been a strong fullback option, eligible for the Kiwis through his New Zealand parents. Jones confirmed New Zealand Rugby League has held discussions with the 23-year-old about playing for the Kiwis.
“I had a good conversation with Kaeo last year and his manager,” Jones said. “He grew up in Australia and wants to go down the Origin path.”
It’s believed Weekes also wants to play for the Kiwis but it’s not possible to do both as the current eligibility rules preclude players from taking part in the interstate series and representing tier one nations such as New Zealand or England. Samoa and Tonga are classed as tier two nations, so their players can cross over.
“If the rules were to change then you could go down that path,” Jones said of Weekes. "But at the moment the rules are where it's at."
Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/ru...zealand-and-tonga/QDWYRLM6PVGFXMI4QYAFRYMXZU/
“I had a good conversation with Kaeo last year and his manager,” Jones said. “He grew up in Australia and wants to go down the Origin path.”
It’s believed Weekes also wants to play for the Kiwis but it’s not possible to do both as the current eligibility rules preclude players from taking part in the interstate series and representing tier one nations such as New Zealand or England. Samoa and Tonga are classed as tier two nations, so their players can cross over.
“If the rules were to change then you could go down that path,” Jones said of Weekes. "But at the moment the rules are where it's at."
Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/ru...zealand-and-tonga/QDWYRLM6PVGFXMI4QYAFRYMXZU/
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Sounds promising then.
I guess Ponga would move in the halves with Hughes and you still have Kini vs Weekes for fullback.
Brown as number 14 (even number 9?)
View: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSmBPT1Fw/
Whats wrong with these people? They think the new eligibility for SOO is a joke? Wonder what they thought before. I get the created outrage for clicks and viewership but these guys dont seem to have any idea about the actual eligibility rules.
It’s insane, the players have to meet the eligibility criteria ffs.
Just like your former teammate Luke Ronchi did for the Black Caps after representing Australia hey Kyle
I actually like listening to these guys, bit of a laugh, admittedly their league knowledge isn't the best.
