NRL rules out Origin eligibility changes

JASON Taumalolo’s bid to play State of Origin is dead in the water after NRL boss Andrew Abdo ruled out making changes to the eligibility laws.

The rules state if a player represents one of the Tier 1 nations - Australia, New Zealand, or England - they can’t be eligible for another.

Likewise, only players who are eligible to play for Australia are allowed to represent Queensland or NSW in the Origin arena.

North Queensland superstar Taumalolo (pictured) has represented New Zealand previously and so is unable to play for Queensland or for Australia.

Last month his manager created a stir when he sounded out new Maroons coach Paul Green with the idea of letting Taumalolo line up for Queensland.

“There is certainly no proposal to change the eligibility in the short term, or in the long term for that matter, but of course everything will be considered over time, but at this stage no,” Abdo said on Tuesday.

“I won’t talk about specific players around Origin eligibility, but I would like to clarify something, the (Australian Rugby League) Commission is not looking at changing the eligibility for Origin.

“What we are looking at is standardising and harmonising the calendar so players who do qualify to play for NSW and Queensland don’t have to choose between that and representing their country in a potential mid-season Test.

“This is not about changing the definition of who qualifies for Origin, this is about making sure those that do qualify and do want to play for Origin don’t have to choose.”