Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has called for the relaxing of eligibility rules that would see Roosters star Victor Radley allowed to play for both NSW and England.
The Roosters enforcer declared his allegiance to England, his father’s country of birth, meaning he will forgo the chance to play for NSW in State of Origin for the rest of his career.
READ MORE: Looming Smith bombshell to crush the PGA Tour
READ MORE: NRL responds to stinging Fittler fight claim
READ MORE: Aussie snares world medal with incredible feat
Under the current rules, players who represent tier-one nations England and New Zealand are struck off the list to play for NSW, Queensland or Australia.
Meninga supports Radley’s decision despite admitting he was in calculations to represent Australia at the World Cup, with the national coach conceding more thought needed to be given to the topic of eligibility
“It’s disappointing, he’s made a tough decision, but I’m happy for him,” Meninga told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“He was right in the mix. He’s tough and has that versatility. He can not only play No.13 but can play on an edge, at No.9 and even in the halves.
“I know he’ll be great for England and their chances. He can’t come back now for NSW, but I’d be happy for him to play for England and NSW.
“I think the whole eligibility issue needs to be addressed. My belief is you take away all the tiers in place. If you’re born in NSW or Queensland, you’re eligible for Origin, and if you then want to represent your ancestral nation, be it England or New Zealand, you can go and play for them.
“If you used Victor as an example, he’s born in NSW so he could play for the Blues and play for England.”
The ARL Commission sets the rules around eligibility for Origin while the International Rugby League oversees who can play for which nation.
Meninga has made it known he wants several Origin players to declare who they will represent at the Cup so he can move on with his own planning.
NSW trio Brian To’o, Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton are all tipped to play for Samoa at the World Cup.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!