International "Changes to SOO"

Highlights Only (2)
Defence said:
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.
Click to expand...
Did forget about that
 
I’m meh about the change as have gone off SOO over the past 10 or so years.
I see it as an attempt to keep SOO relevant as I have no doubt they are worried about the popularity of the international game overtaking it as the pinnacle (as it bloody should!).
The one country it does help is NZ though as we have been on the end of the players being forced to give up a kiwis jersey if they want to play SOO. If there are players like Ponga, Weekes etc that come to NZ now… cool!
 
At the end of the day, can the Kiwi boys who get approached just say, Yeah Nah , not keen bro ?

Is that an option, or if you get picked you play ?
 
I reckon this is the last hope to restore interest in origin with ratings dropping most years and many club games as good if not better at times. There’s no doubt that internationals is where it’s at and the theatre of the cultural challenges before the games is another aspect the crowd enjoys
 
Noitall said:
I reckon this is the last hope to restore interest in origin with ratings dropping most years and many club games as good if not better at times. There’s no doubt that internationals is where it’s at and the theatre of the cultural challenges before the games is another aspect the crowd enjoys
Click to expand...
I don't think it's the last hope - I think it's strengthening it TBH.
and strengthening the international game.
Union would be worried I think - Origin seems a better product and draw than the All Blacks at the moment.
 
This is long overdue.

The debate should never have been Origin vs New Zealand, for example. It should have been who do you want to represent internationally, Australia or New Zealand.
 
Noitall said:
I reckon this is the last hope to restore interest in origin with ratings dropping most years and many club games as good if not better at times. There’s no doubt that internationals is where it’s at and the theatre of the cultural challenges before the games is another aspect the crowd enjoys
Click to expand...

Origin had its highest ratings since the early 2010's last year.

I think what this shows is the influx of Samoa/Tonga players has done absolutely nothing to kill the concept and that's likewise to be the case for the odd 1-2 Kiwis and Englishmen who play Origin in the next few years.
 
JaggedJ said:
Origin had its highest ratings since the early 2010's last year.

I think what this shows is the influx of Samoa/Tonga players has done absolutely nothing to kill the concept and that's likewise to be the case for the odd 1-2 Kiwis and Englishmen who play Origin in the next few years.
Click to expand...
The old school buzz rothfield types bemoan it because it was once an Australian trial but things change and they’ll have to accept that’s not what it is anymore. The product will be the deciding factor in it’s success but I also think that old billy moore type character shouting Queenslander as walks out the tunnel are gone with many playing for the paycheque rather than the identity I believe, that’s why I think the international scene has seen such success because you can see the tears as they sing their anthems because of their pride in where they’re from. I’m probably really just projecting my personal lack of interest but I do personally see internationals as the future, as they should be. You’re correct in saying the viewing numbers are record numbers and that can’t be disputed, but the Polynesian community in NZ and Australia have shown they turn out to support their team every bit as much and more than some so I hope all formats become priority in internationals, origin and all star clash
 
Noitall said:
The old school buzz rothfield types bemoan it because it was once an Australian trial but things change and they’ll have to accept that’s not what it is anymore. The product will be the deciding factor in it’s success but I also think that old billy moore type character shouting Queenslander as walks out the tunnel are gone with many playing for the paycheque rather than the identity I believe, that’s why I think the international scene has seen such success because you can see the tears as they sing their anthems because of their pride in where they’re from. I’m probably really just projecting my personal lack of interest but I do personally see internationals as the future, as they should be. You’re correct in saying the viewing numbers are record numbers and that can’t be disputed, but the Polynesian community in NZ and Australia have shown they turn out to support their team every bit as much and more than some so I hope all formats become priority in internationals, origin and all star clash
Click to expand...

I agree. I've said for years now that Origin has hit its ceiling in regards to how far the game can grow off the back of NSW vs QLD.

Internationals is the path forward.

Very few of the younger players seem to be against it. It's the "old school" that want time to stand still.

Perth and PNG are coming, Tonga and Samoa are growing, and eventually those who think it should just be NSWRL and QRL will begin to fade.
 
JaggedJ said:
Perth and PNG are coming, Tonga and Samoa are growing, and eventually those who think it should just be NSWRL and QRL will begin to fade.
Click to expand...
Absolutely. Tonga and Samoa have shown that the Tier groupings was rubbish. Essentially that is all that is being dismantled by the latest origin eligibility news. Anyone who is against it should ask? Was it fair before when Tongan and Samoans could represent their nations and play SOO? If so why was England and NZ held to a higher standard that players who are/had represented them couldnt.

Its good now that Aus born/bred players with NZ heritage can play SOO and NZ if they choose to. Its a win win for players, SOO and teams like NZ/England alike. Whats not to like about it?
 
tajhay said:
Absolutely. Tonga and Samoa have shown that the Tier groupings was rubbish. Essentially that is all that is being dismantled by the latest origin eligibility news. Anyone who is against it should ask? Was it fair before when Tongan and Samoans could represent their nations and play SOO? If so why was England and NZ held to a higher standard that players who are/had represented them couldnt.

It’s good now that Aus born/bred players with NZ heritage can play SOO and NZ if they choose to. It’s a win win for players, SOO and teams like NZ/England alike. Whats not to like about it?
Click to expand...
Not mentioned yet but it could mean some players choose NZ over the islands now.

Strengthen NZ, weaken the islands longer term?
 
Isaiya Katoa in 2023 on a potential rugby switch one day - “It would definitely be for New Zealand. I was born in New Zealand and spent my first 9-10 years in New Zealand”. If that’s his attitude then surely a decent chance of switching to the Kiwis now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

tyrael
Pick Your Team New South Wales 2025 SOO Game 1
2 3 4
Replies
73
Views
13K
Wahs_Ultras
Wahs_Ultras
mt.wellington
International England vs Tonga Tour 2023
4 5 6
Replies
108
Views
23K
sup42
Back
Top Bottom