<h2>ARLC Announce Major Change to State of Origin Eligibility Rules – Four Pointer News:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/state-of-origin/new-south-wales-v-queensland-9835932">State of Origin</a> eligibility rules updated to allow players representing Tier One nations like New Zealand and England to participate.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Previous restrictions requiring Australian or Tier Two nation eligibility have been completely removed by the ARLC.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Core State of Origin criteria remain unchanged, focusing on birthplace, residence before 13th birthday, or paternal heritage.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Changes reflect Rugby League's global growth and strengthen both international competition and State of Origin quality.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Revolutionary Changes to State of Origin Selection</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Australian Rugby League Commission announced groundbreaking changes to State of Origin eligibility rules, marking a significant shift in how players qualify for rugby league's most prestigious representative series.</p> <p>These modernised regulations remove previous restrictions that prevented players representing Tier One nations from participating in State of Origin matches.</p> <p>Under the previous system, players were required to be eligible for Australia or designated Tier Two nations as defined by International Rugby League.</p> <p>This restriction often excluded talented players who chose to represent nations like New Zealand or England at international level, despite meeting traditional State of Origin criteria.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Core Eligibility Criteria Remain Unchanged</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The fundamental <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/state-of-origin/new-south-wales-v-queensland-9835932">State of Origin</a> eligibility requirements continue to focus on geographical and familial connections rather than international allegiance.</p> <p>Players remain eligible through three primary pathways: being born in New South Wales or Queensland, residing in either state before their 13th birthday, or having a father who previously played State of Origin.</p> <p>These unchanged criteria ensure State of Origin maintains its core identity as a contest between players with genuine connections to their respective states.</p> <p>The modernisation simply removes international representation as a barrier to participation.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Strengthening Rugby League's Global Growth</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys AM emphasised that these changes reflect rugby league's international expansion and the Pacific region's growing influence.</p> <p>The updated rules acknowledge that State of Origin represents state-based identity rather than national allegiance, allowing the competition to feature the highest quality players regardless of their international commitments.</p> <p>V'landys highlighted the logical inconsistency of excluding players based on international representation when they meet all traditional State of Origin criteria.</p> <p>&nbsp;This modernisation strengthens both the international game and State of Origin by removing artificial barriers that previously limited player participation.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Impact on Future State of Origin Series</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The rule changes are expected to enhance the quality and competitiveness of future State of Origin series by potentially expanding the available player pool.</p> <p>Players who previously faced difficult choices between international representation and State of Origin eligibility can now pursue both pathways without restriction.</p> <p>This modernisation reflects rugby league's evolution over 45 years, ensuring State of Origin continues attracting the best eligible players while supporting the sport's international growth.</p> <p>The changes take effect immediately, potentially influencing team selections for upcoming series and strengthening rugby league's position across the Pacific region.</p>