That is frankly, fucking madness if he keeps the Kiwis role.
There are going to be players that come through between now and 2026, that will be eligible for NSW and the Kiwis. (Not that I think Madge will stick around that long in Origin imo)
Jahream Bula, Jesse McLean, Ethan Strange, Isaiaya Katoa, Phoenix Crossland, and Suia Wong are just a few young guys right now who are NZ eligible, and you never know, might want to play for the Kiwis if they were approached, but Madge could just not pick them so he can keep them in his back pocket for NSW.
I do like the idea that this could be the wall-breaking moment where the tiers are thrown out the window, so guys can play Origin and for the Kiwis and England, but I also can't see that change being made unless
Origin was under threat.
Can we really see an Australian, in the highest-pressure coaching job in the sport, sabotaging that job for some lowly New Zealanders? I think this kid said it best...
I would prefer players who don't see the Kiwis as the second option, but its the reality, and having a coach with a foot in both camps can't work
All that said, I think this is just a case of keeping it quiet, and after the tournament, once the NSW deal is finalised, he will step down, so I am just yelling at clouds hahaha