The National Rugby League (NRL) has recently made groundbreaking revisions to its State of Origin eligibility rules, paving the way for a host of top-tier players to participate in the iconic series. This shift marks a significant departure from previous regulations that restricted players from New Zealand and England, both classified as tier one nations, from representing New South Wales (NSW) or Queensland.
With these newly implemented changes, the old limitations have been effectively dismantled, opening up a wealth of opportunities for talented athletes who were previously sidelined due to their international affiliations. This evolution in policy is poised to enrich the State of Origin with a broader pool of skilled players.
In light of these developments, we spotlight five players who, thanks to the updated criteria, are now strong contenders to make their mark in the Origin series this year.
Addin Fonua-Blake
Among the names sparking the most discussion among NRL enthusiasts is Addin Fonua-Blake. Many fans have already begun speculating that Fonua-Blake will don the NSW jersey come 2026, adding his formidable presence to the team’s roster.
The Sharks player (pictured in 2019 after representing New Zealand) would provide the Blues with another world class forward
Fonua Blake is the player most NRL fans have begun speculating will represent NSW in 2026.
The damaging ball runner and ruthless defender, despite playing for New Zealand already, is now allowed to play for NSW, as he was born in North Sydney.
The former Warriors enforcer, born in Meadowbank, ‘walks into the NSW side’ according to QLD legend Corey Parker.
If he were to be selected for NSW, Fonua Blake would likely join Broncos star Payne Haas in the state’s forward pack.
The ruthless prop has played two matches for New Zealand, and more recently, 18 games for Tonga.
Briton Nikora
Nikora (pictured) would be a firm favourite to be selected in Billy Slater’s origin side
The 28-year-old backrower is another Cronulla player who is tipped to play Origin this year.
Despite being a teammate of Fonua-Blake in club land, Nikora would face off against him in the origin arena.
The 28-year-old is one of the most reliable players in the NRL, and has played a starring role for New Zealand across multiple Pacific Championships campaigns.
Nikora, although born in New Zealand, played his junior football for the Pagewood Sharks in Southport.
He scored seven tries in 23 appearances for Cronulla in 2025, and is expected to improve further in 2026.
AJ Brimson
The QLD utility back (pictured) has taken part in an Origin winning campaign in 2020
Brimson has already represented QLD in multiple Origin matches, but it was believed his state rep career was over after a decision last year to change allegiances.
The versatile back officially switched his allegiance from Australia to England in May last year, after being eligible through his mother.
This decision made allowed him to play in the Ashes series for England.
However, due to the rule changes, he’ll again be able to suit up in the state’s customary Maroon.
Brimson will face stiff competition for both the fullback and utility spot, as he’ll likely come up against Reece Walsh, and Harry Grant.
Casey McLean
McLean (pictured) was born in Blacktown
The Penrith young gun, is another player who may now star for his state.
McLean was previously ineligible to experience the Origin arena, after playing for New Zealand.
But he’ll now be able to join fellow Western Sydney products Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o and Jarome Luai as a Blues player if he’s selected.
The 20-year-old played his first full season of first grade in 2025.
He has scored eight tries in four matches for his country across two Pacific Championships events.
Victor Radley
Radley has previously represented New South Wales at Origin level, but it was widely believed his Blues career was over after choosing to represent England.
The hard-hitting Roosters lock switched his international allegiance through his father’s heritage, a move that under the old rules ruled him out of further Origin selection.
That decision saw him commit to England on the international stage.
However, following sweeping eligibility changes this season, Radley is once again eligible to wear the Blues jersey.
He will now push to reclaim a spot in the NSW middle rotation, where competition for positions remains fierce.
*North Queensland and Tonga enforcer Jason Taumalolo and Melbourne Storm and New Zealand halfback Jahrome Hughes still need to prove their eligibility before they can be selected for Origin under the new rules.
