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Brimson’s versatility – having played five-eighth, centre and fullback in the NRL – could make him an intriguing option for Maroons coach Billy Slater in the new six-man bench era, although the 27-year-old was unwilling to entertain that prospect so early in the season.
His England teammate, Victor Radley, now becomes eligible for the Blues, as do Kiwis Addin Fonua-Blake and Casey McLean.
Cronulla edge forward Briton Nikora – who has played 15 Tests for New Zealand – also becomes eligible. He went to school at Keebra Park after moving to the Gold Coast when he was nine and playing junior football for Helensvale and Parkwood.
Players will also not be required to choose state over culture moving forward, meaning Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa – a Tonga mainstay since the last World Cup – can now play for New Zealand and the Blues.
Kalyn Ponga, who has spoken passionately about his Kiwi heritage, could realign for this year’s World Cup while still featuring for Queensland. Some players still narrowly miss the cut – Jason Taumalolo, Jahrome Hughes and Ronaldo Mulitalo among those who are believed to have moved to Queensland shortly after their 13th birthday.
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Titans forward Kurtis Morris, who grew up in Sydney and has represented the Maori All Stars, said it was “a big part of everyone’s game being able to represent their culture”, as Australia Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys declared the changes were necessary.
“Rugby league has changed, the international game has grown, and our rules need to reflect that,” V’landys said.
“If a player is eligible to play State of Origin, it makes no sense to exclude them simply because they’ve represented New Zealand or England at Test level.”
Alongside the eligibility changes, the NRL also confirmed a 2027 Origin fixture would be hosted in New Zealand, with NRL chief Andrew Abdo lauding the move a chance to grow the game, while V’landys identified the potential to capitalise on the nation’s surging rugby league popularity.
Brimson, however, was sceptical.
“It’s a bit weird, I reckon,” he said.
“I don’t know, I don’t mind it getting played over in Adelaide and Melbourne and things like that – I think that’s pretty cool – but I don’t mind the old two in New South Wales, one in Queensland, or two in Queensland.
“New Zealand will be sick, but it’s obviously State of Origin in Australia. It’s cool for the game – I don’t want an article saying I hate New Zealand or something like that,” he added with a laugh.
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