• Podcast
  • ARL
    • Indigenous All Stars v NRL All Stars
    • Rugby League State Of Origin
  • NRL
    • 2025 NRL Draw
    • 2024 NRL Draw
    • 2023 NRL Draw
    • 2022 NRL Draw
    • 2021 NRL Draw
    • 2022 NRL Podcast
    • 2020 NRL Draw
    • 2015 NRL Draw
    • 2014 NRL Draw
  • ESL
    • International Origin
    • Challenge Cup
  • World
    • World Club Challenge
    • World Cup
    • Rugby League 9’s
    • NRL Auckland Nines Draw
  • Sports
    • AFL
    • Cricket
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
  • Guest Writers
  • League Freak
    • NRL Tipping Experts
    • Web Site News
    • Sponsorship
    • Uncategorized

The Glorious League Freak – Covering Rugby League World Wide – LeagueFreak.com

  • Home
  • Podcast
  • NRL Rumours
  • RL World 9’s
  • Features
    • Player Profiles And News
  • History
    • History Books
    • The Super League War
      • The Super League War – The Clubs
      • The Super League War – The Freak
      • The Super League War – The Extras
  • Quotes
  • Look-Alikes
  • Teams
  • Rankings
  • Media
  • About
    • Bio
    • League Freaks Commentary Career
    • Contact
    • League Freak On Twitter
    • I Am Not A Journalist
    • Contribute To LeagueFreak.com
    • League Freak Mentions In The Media
    • Advertise On This Website
    • Rugby League RSS Feed
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Google+
    • RSS Feed
    • Linked
    • Youtube

Brad Eveleigh – Assessing The Negatives Of Origin Football

Jun 04, 2013 League Freak Featured Guest Writers 0


It is the eve of Game 1 in the 2013 Rugby League State of Origin series.

Dubbed as the most anticipated series ever – which is what it is labeled as every year.

New South Wales have the double home ground advantage at ANZ Stadium this year as the Queensland juggernaut look to make it 8-straight series wins.

Year after year, prior to Game 1, the endless banter crosses from both sides of the boarder. Everything from wins, to history, to players, to how may teeth you have, it just goes on and on.

The most publicised and sensitive debate is player eligibility. Who rightly belongs in a Blue or Maroon jersey?

The difference between having one of the greatest player of all time wearing the wrong colour can result in a generation of losses to those claiming to be “screwed over”.

It causes confusion globally as to what the rules really are, especially when people from other countries play for either the Toads of the Roaches. To be selected for Origin football you must be classed as “Australian”. I highlight that word, as the theory can be very confusing.

As and example, Jarryd Hayne has represented Fiji (and New South Wales), Tonie Carroll has played for New Zealand (and Queensland), the list goes on.

It all comes down to the age you moved here, where you played juniors, where you first played representative football blah blah blah. Did you know that one of the all time Origin greats for QLD, Gordon Tallis, played his first representative game for NSW?

I want to focus on the international players making themselves available for Origin. That’s right, they have a choice. Some like Sam Kasiano have stayed loyal to New Zealand, others, like Josh Papalii have not.

We need to raise a few questions as to why the loyalty is being brushed quicker than water off a ducks back. Why would you turn your back on your homeland?

The answer is firstly the opportunity to play representative football at the highest level. Yes, International representation is the highest level but the quality of football is the difference.

Secondly, players from the likes of Tonga, Samoa etc don’t have that high quality, frequency and popularity like State of Origin. I watched Game 2 of last year’s Origin series at a Bar in Barcelona, Spain. There’s no way that would happen for a Cook Islands vs. Papua New Guinea match. Players want to be in the spotlight and play in the best games. The dangling carrot is too large for them to ignore.

It will only get worse over time as (easily) over 60% of players in the National Youth Competition (Holden Cup) are of Polynesian heritage.

Keep the above debate in mind as I move to another problem that arises at Origin time; the BYE.

The weekend just gone, Round 12, of the NRL Telstra Premiership had a total of 4 games with the remaining 8 teams putting their feet up to accommodate the Origin period.

Last night, a depleted Brisbane Broncos outfit was crushed at home to the last placed New Zealand Warriors 56 – 18.

Was it a surprise? In round 23 it would be, absolutely! During the Origin period? Not a surprise at all. In fact, the Warriors were the favorites to win. This was due to Brisbane missing a large chunk of their squad who are in the Queensland team.

The National Rugby League have put the clubs in a “catch 22” situation. Players are being rewarded for their playing ability with Origin representation but their club is significantly weaker and will be punished for the premiership race in their absence.

There have been suggestions of having a stand-alone weekend just for the State of Origin so the clubs can remain at full strength. I think this would be an unsuccessful move as the average punter wants to see more than 1 game of footy in an 11 day period.

I have an idea that would (to a degree) solve both the eligibility and skeleton squads at club level. If not solve, then work towards change for the better.

My theory is this:

Keep the State of Origin as its traditional Wednesday fixture and give every NRL club a BYE on the weekend that follows.

During that NRL weekend off, Australia and New Zealand would host a Pacific Nations Tournament consisting of Papua New Guinea – Cook Islands – Samoa – Fiji – Tonga – New Zealand North Island – New Zealand South Island – Australian Prime Ministers teams.

The National Youth Competition would also play their Under 20’s State of Origin series during that weekend.

These teams would play a 3 week tournament on the weekend that follows the Wednesday Origin. The structure of that tournament would be for a discussion at another time.

This would not only provide at least 5 games over the weekend (what the Rugby League fans want) but International rivalries and more frequent representation for those countries who are currently limited to a minimal amount.

Would this tempt those who choose to play Origin over their home country to reconsider? To wear their home colours and have the honour of representing their people? I think so.

It would also introduce the young players from the NYC into representative games at a younger age and give them experience, which will make them better players when they make it to the NRL. Over all result – a stronger NRL competition.

Imagine Fiji vs. Cook Islands at Allianz Stadium; Samoa vs. Tonga at Suncorp Stadium; NZ North vs. NZ South in Wellington; Australia’s PM vs. PNG in Canberra. The massive amounts of multiculturalism that forms these great nations would come together and celebrate in the name of Rugby League whilst enjoying their sporting rivalry.

Low ticket prices and more merchandise sales will create a financial domino effect into club membership growth because more people are being involved in the game through culture.

At the end of it all, the players go back to their club, the normal Premiership rounds recommence, the clubs are at full strength and the race fore September is back on.

Just a thought…

  • Tweet
  • Share 0
  • Reddit
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn 0
  • Email

Related


  • Brad Eveleigh, Eligibility Rules, Gorden Tallis, Guest Writer, Jarryd Hayne, Josh Papalii, New South Wales, NYC, Queensland, Sam Kasiano, State Of Origin, Tonie Carroll
  • tweet
Craig Gower To Join The Newcastle Knights Within Days? Daniel Nichols - Why NSW WILL Win Origin One

League Freak

A well known Rugby League writer, League Freak has established a reputation among supporters of the game for his fearless commentary and unmatched insight. With a reach that spans both sides of the globe, League Freak has produced an independent network that allows him to distribute content to his many thousands of followers. He is the owner and main author of LeagueFreak.com

Related articles
  • Latrell Mitchell Ruled Out Of State Of Origin One
    Latrell Mitchell Ruled Out Of State Of...

    May 29, 2023 0

  • Julie – Ranking Every Single Player In The NRL
    Julie – Ranking Every Single...

    May 09, 2023 0

  • The Curse Of Julie
    The Curse Of Julie

    Jul 30, 2022 0


You must log in to post a comment.

League Freaks Social Network

Follow League Freak on:

Become a Patron!

Ziad Warwar
Nadine
Coojee
Adam
Andy
jamescunni
Lisa
Rugby League Project
Karsten Brumme
Samuel
Sandy
Katey
Jack
Terry
Gibbo

RSS Fergo and The Freak Podcast

  • "Potential Profit In The Profit Sense Of The Word"
  • Bonus Episode: IMG Changing The English Game, A Coaching Change At The Dragons
  • France No Longer Hosting The 2025 Rugby League World Cup
  • What Does WAP Stand For?
  • Dylbags With Julie
  • A Plethora Of Stupid Ideas
  • Casting An Eye Over All 17 NRL Teams Right Now
  • Venting About The Wests Tigers
  • The Prodigal Son Returns!
  • There's Quite A Bit To Talk About In Rugby League Today!
  • The 2023 NRL Season Preview
  • The First #AskKenty Of 2023
  • League Freak HUMILIATED As St Helens Beat Penrith To Win The World Club Challenge
  • Street Food In Castleford And The Patron Saint Of Divorce
  • We Will Learn A Lot This Season

Polls

In The On Field Quality Of Super League Games Getting Better Or Worse?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...
  • Polls Archive

Latest Rugby League Articles

  • Playing NRL Games In Las Vegas Makes No Sense At All
    Playing NRL Games In Las Vegas Makes No Sense At All

    Jun 04, 2023 0

  • When Will State Of Origin Stars Get To Play International Football Again?
    When Will State Of Origin Stars Get To Play International...

    May 30, 2023 0

  • Latrell Mitchell Ruled Out Of State Of Origin One
    Latrell Mitchell Ruled Out Of State Of Origin One

    May 29, 2023 0

  • NRL Podcast: “Potential Profit In The Profit Sense Of The Word”
    NRL Podcast: “Potential Profit In The Profit Sense Of...

    May 28, 2023 0

  • The 2022 World Cup Legacy Feels A Lot Like The 2000 World Cup Legacy
    The 2022 World Cup Legacy Feels A Lot Like The 2000 World...

    May 26, 2023 0

Follow League Freak on Twitter

My Tweets

Tags

Andrew Ferguson (379) ARL (62) Australia (159) Benji Marshall (90) Billy Slater (78) Broadcasting Deal (68) Cameron Smith (60) Channel 9 (74) Daniel Nichols (122) Disgrace (77) Eligibility Rules (64) England (143) Expansion (86) Fergo And The Freak (470) Greg Inglis (100) Guest Writer (338) Israel Folau (71) Jarryd Hayne (78) Johnathan Thurston (82) League Freak (541) Leeds Rhinos (59) Marketing (67) Matthew Elliott (71) Mitchell Pearce (64) New South Wales (107) New Zealand (143) NRL Finals (63) NRL Salary Cap (96) Paul Gallen (64) Phil Gould (59) Player Movement (132) Podcast (494) Queensland (84) Referees (78) RFL (144) Rugby League History (78) Rugby Union (209) Sam Burgess (63) Sonny Bill Williams (91) State Of Origin (182) St Helens (69) Todd Carney (62) Wayne Bennett (83) Wigan (59) World Cup (184)
As featured on NewsNow: NRL newsNRL News 24/7

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Blogroll

  • The Glorious League Freak.
  • League Freak on Twitter
  • League Freak on Facebook
  • Rugby League Podcasting Network
  • NRL Breaking News
  • NRL Rumours
  • RLWorld9s.com

Facebook Pages

  • NRL Gossip
  • NRL Infinite

Features

  • King Of Rugby League
  • Rugby League Look-Alikes
  • Biggest Winning Margins In Rugby League History
  • Biggest Crowds In Rugby League History
  • Rugby League Quotes
  • Rugby League Dictionary
  • The Super League War
  • The New Zealand Haka
  • Funny Rugby League Teams
  • Rugby League Rankins Lists
  • NRL Rumours
  • IHateRugbyUnion.com
  • NRL History
  • NRL History Books
  • Record Books
  • Player Profiles

NBA Links

  • NBA Rookie Of The Year
  • NBA MVP Winner List
  • NBA Finals MVPs

Other Links

  • Submit Your Australian Blog
  • Best Junk Hauling Virginia
  • Gutter Cleaning Service Virginia
  • Best Lawn Mowing Service Virginia
  • 2020 NRL Draw
  • Hot Toys Australia

Other Sports

  • Clutch Fans
  • Sportette

Players

  • Cameron Smith
  • Kalyn Ponga
  • Sonny Bill Williams
  • Jarryd Hayne
  • Andrew Johns
  • Semi Radradra
  • Sam Burgess
  • Benji Marshall
  • James Tedesco
  • Cooper Cronk
  • Johnathan Thurston
  • Anthony Mundine
  • Sam Tomkins
  • Greg Inglis
  • Jamie Peacock
  • Ntahan Cleary

Rugby League

  • Rugby League Project
  • Era Of The Biff
  • Darryl's Rugby League
  • Jamie Lyon Web
  • Rugby League Review
  • Rugby League Ratings
  • NRL CEO Fantasy League
  • QLD Panthers
  • Andrew Ferguson's Website!
  • Black Swans RLFC
  • InternationalRL
  • 2021 Rugby League World Cup
  • Rugby League Mums
  • Player Profiles
  • 2024 NRL Draw
  • Watch NRL Games Online
  • NRL Tipping Experts

Rugby League Podcast

  • Best Rugby League Podcast
  • Best NRL Podcast
  • Best Super League Podcast
  • Best Australian Podcast
  • Best Sports Podcast
  • Funniest Podcast
  • Best Comedy Podcast
  • NRL Radio
  • 2021 NRL Podcast
  • Spotify NRL Podcasts
Google+
  • National Rugby League
  • Rugby League State Of Origin
  • Brisbane Broncos
  • Canberra Raiders
  • Canterbury Bulldogs
  • Cronulla Sharks
  • Gold Coast Titans
  • Manly Sea Eagles
  • Melbourne Storm
  • The 2029 Rugby League World Cup
  • New Zealand Warriors
  • Newcastle Knights
  • North Queensland Cowboys
  • Parramatta Eels
  • Penrith Panthers
  • Redcliffe Dolphins
  • South Sydney Rabbitohs
  • St George/Illawarra Dragons
  • Sydney Roosters
  • Wests Tigers
  • The King Of Rugby League Awards
  • Rugby League Player Profiles And News
  • Fantasy Rugby League Teams
  • Rugby League World Rankings
  • Rugby League Look-Alikes
  • International Rugby League News
  • National Rugby League
  • European Super League News
  • Featured Guest Writers
  • Other Sports
  • The 2021 NRL Draw
  • The 2022 NRL Draw – Every NRL Game Listed For You!!!
  • The 2023 NRL Draw – Every NRL Game Is Here!!!
  • 2024 NRL Draw
  • NRL Player Profiles
  • NRL Instagram
  • The 2025 NRL Draw – Every Game, Every Venue, Every Club!
  • NRL Tipping Experts
  • Advertise On LeagueFreak.com
  • About LeagueFreak.com
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feed
  • NothingButLeague.com
  • Rugby League Podcasting Network
  • NRL Breaking News
  • NRL Rumours – Latest NRL Rumours
  • NRL Podcast
  • Super League Podcast
  • Rugby League Podcast
  • Here Is The Cure For COVID 19
  • 2022 NRL Grand Final Tickets
  • Click Here To Buy State Of Origin Tickets
  • Buy NRL Tickets – Where To Buy Tickets To Rugby League Games
  • Watch NRL Games Online In 2022 – Where To Watch NRL Games Online And Streaming
Copyright LeagueFreak.com 2022 / All rights reserved
  • Advertise On LeagueFreak.com
  • About LeagueFreak.com
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feed
  • NothingButLeague.com
  • Rugby League Podcasting Network
  • NRL Breaking News
  • NRL Rumours – Latest NRL Rumours
  • NRL Podcast
  • Super League Podcast
  • Rugby League Podcast
  • Here Is The Cure For COVID 19
  • 2022 NRL Grand Final Tickets
  • Click Here To Buy State Of Origin Tickets
  • Buy NRL Tickets – Where To Buy Tickets To Rugby League Games
  • Watch NRL Games Online In 2022 – Where To Watch NRL Games Online And Streaming