NRLW State of Origin stars could represent rival nations as eligibility rules reviewed
The International Rugby League (IRL) are looking to review the international eligibility criteria in a move that would see State of Origin stars able to represent rival nations.
Nine's Emma Lawrence revealed on Friday the use of the international tier system could be scrapped from the women's game if a decision is to be approved by the IRL.
Calls to scrap the international eligibility system have been backed by several players in the league in hopes of creating a more competitive competition at the 2026 World Cup.
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As it stands, any player who elects to switch allegiance away from Australia to another Tier 1 nation can not continue or be eligible for selection in the Origin arena.
Those who represent New Zealand, England and Australia are all considered to be in the Tier 1 nation grouping.
If a player is to switch from one of these nations to another, for example from Australia to England, they would need to submit an application and gain approval from the IRL.
The Jillaroos celebrate a Tarryn Aiken try. Getty
However, a 90-point thrashing by the Jillaroos against England during an exhibition match in Las Vegas in March could be the reason for the rule change.
"Most agree that it was probably not the best advertisement for the international game," Lawrence said on Nine.
"It is not official yet but the IRL are hoping to confirm it in the coming weeks."
Roosters gun Jasmin Strange is among those to have publicly vocalised her interest in representing England instead of Australia at the World Cup next year.
"I'm half-English, half-Australian so to be able to play in a World Cup for England and come back would be really cool because I could represent both cultures," Kelleher told NRL.com.
"The girls who play for Tonga or Samoa can come straight back and I feel like England would also benefit from having a couple of us players from the NRLW.
"I'm not saying that I would make a difference, but it would be a great experience and something I would like to do."
