Explore the latest developments concerning Maroons stunner: Kiwi.
Victor Radley twist as four players handed Origin debuts after bans overturned
Victor Radley, Addin-Fonua Blake, Casey McLean and Briton Nikora are the first beneficiaries of the State of Origin rule change that allows England and New Zealand players to represent NSW and Queensland from this year. Radley, Fonua-Blake and McLean were all named in Laurie Daley’s Blues squad for Origin 1 on Monday, while Nikora is on the bench in Billy Slater’s Maroons team.
All four are set to make their Origin debuts after they were previously banned from the format under the old rules. Radley has played nine Tests for England, while Fonua-Blake (one), McLean (four) and Nikora (15) have all represented the Kiwis.
Queensland weighing up second-row debutant after eligibility rule change
Cronulla Sharks second-rower Briton Nikora is understood to be under consideration for a Queensland Maroons debut in Game 1 of the 2026 State of Origin series.
Nikora is a New Zealand representative, but has become eligible to represent Queensland in 2026 under eligibility changes made by the NRL and Australian Rugby League Commission.
Under old rules, players who represented other Tier 1 nations – England and New Zealand – were ineligible for Origin, while those played for Tier 2 nations, like Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea among others, were considered to be eligible to represent their state.
What hasn't changed is the fact players must be playing rugby league in the state of eligibility by the time they turn 13, or otherwise born in either New South Wales or Queensland.
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