Kenty & Buzz FIRE UP over Taumalolo Origin debate I NRL360 

As half Kiwi, half Tongan. SOO should be for players who want to play for Australia. I agree with Kenty

Buzz is a tight arse...when blues tried to get Semi to play he wasn’t eligible but yet Coach Mal gave him at Australian jersey 🥴🤣🤣

How has this become so complicated? If you wish to play for Australia, you are eligible for SOO If you are so passionate about your island heritage, you forfeit SOO. Pick your allegiance and commit to being the best you can.

There's 30,000 reasons why he would want play.

They talked about this in 2013 when NSW kept losing origin for 8 straight years. They wanted SBW in origin for NSW. Forget it, its for Aussies only NOT Kiwi's. I loved Ruben Wiki & would have loved to see him carve up origin in his prime but he's a proud Kiwi & that's the end of it.

I'm Samoan and always thought for years State of Origin was only for Australian players who the Kangaroos uses for picking their national team. I do agree with Kent 100%. It should only played Australian players who are willing to represent Australia in that way it free up our Polynesian boys to represent our national teams. That's my own personal view.

let NSW and QLD play the island nations if that'll help. Don't change the rules keep it as it is!

I kinda agree that taumalolo shouldn't be allowed to play QLD, you can't skip around everywhere BUT there should be a boost in pay for international footy, a couple years ago there was a sell out test with Tonga vs Samoa those players were paid quite abit less than the female origin side where it wasn't near as many people watching doesn't seem right

Sam burgess wanted to play for nsw and was told no

Taumalolo shouldn't be allowed to play for Queensland, full stop! He's played international Rugby League for New Zealand and Tonga. Keeping in mind, he turned his back on the Kiwi Jersery to play for the country of his heritage, being Tonga. Now all of a sudden he wants to pull on a Maroon Jersery. I'm not even Australian, it would be a massive disservice to both the Queensland Jersery (Which is super hard to put on in the first place) and State of Origin as a whole.

I like it when Kent and Buzz clash with regarding Taumalolo decision to play for Queensland in State of Origin

What Buzz fails to point out is Jason Taumalolo has played 10 tests for NZ, a tier one nation, the others he named haven’t played for another tier 1 nation

I love jason but he shouldnt be allowed to play for qld. It just kills the whole point of state of orgin, it should be nsw boys vs qld boys

Soooooo should we change it from state of origin to "application to the Australian National team"?

Never forget that Johnathon Thurston played in the U19s NSW Blues origin squad.

How has buzz got a job still? It’s above me

What about when Akuila Uate played for Fiji in the 08 World Cup and then played state of origin for NSW in 2011, then he goes back to playing for Fiji in the 2012 World Cup ?

Kent is right, I agree with him, 100%

Country of Origin starts this November- its called the World Cup.

If you were an Islander that was raised in AUS I say this now... Put down AUSTRALIA for your country. It ain't disrespecting your Heritage or anything like that at all, You were raised here in Australia and that's that okay man, Wear it proud its all good, And so I say the ones who were raised here should be able to play for there HERITAGE COUNTRY & AUSTRALIA obviously which includes STATE OF ORIGIN And whatever else. But If you were born over in the Islanders or New Zealand but lived in AUSTRALIA either most you're life or whatever that's a choice that you really have to make as a Rugby League Player. HERITAGE, COUNTRY OF BIRTH OR COUNTRY YOU WERE RAISED IN. Then there's the ones who were born in the Islands and raised back home in New Zealand, The choice is easy for them because Islands and New Zealand will always be where there heart is at. Me for example, Born in NZ, Raised In AUS, Island Heritage... I will always choose THE KIWI'S, For the Kiwi's that's the pinnacle for there RUGBY LEAGUE CAREER, Too represent the BLACK AND WHITE Nelson Asofa-Solomona - He said even though he is of Samoan Heritage, He will always wear the BLACK AND WHITE Jersey because New Zealand is what gave the opportunity to his family, and It's where he was raised, But it's no disrespect towards Samoa at all.

State Of Origin is Australian. So that means only players that are willing to play for Australia can play. It should be that simple. If you want to play for other international team then Origin isn’t for you. So British players can play Origin as well?

So kenty what about all the other kiwi and poly lads tht play for the origin teams .. take them all out then ..

Kenty is 100% right

Why should a player have to sacrifice his nationality as an Islander to play origin and why should an origin player have to sacrifice that jersey to play his island, they shouldn't have to. I'm not gonna sit here and say that taumololo isn't a Queenslander when he's feels he is and has lived here since he was a child and not only that he's already pledged his allegiance to a Queensland club for 10 plus years of his life he evidently sees Queensland as his home. Now I don't want taumololo to get this exception alone I have no problem with players such as tpj, staggs and luia getting to put on a blue jumper but as soon as the best lock in the game wants to put on a maroon jumper blues get angry and say it isn't right. Sorry but there being hypocritical

Leave rules as is or soon you'll have all these international talents taking opportunities away from real statesmen

so what's determines if a player is eligible to play state of origin?

It’s all about the money plain and simple !! Take the money away you’ll see how many are actually passionate about playing for the colours !! Origin was built on passion and hatred some of these players just see a pay cheque nowadays and will continue to do so if they don’t toughen up eligibility There’s a reason why ratings has been going down in the last decade

Not a big fan of what I’m about to say but it’s worth a thought for the experts. If there are more international players eligible for origin (new Zealand, Tongan, Samoan players etc) they would most likely want to play for their native countries making international rugby league stronger which should be the goal. I don’t see happening though

So can someone explain to me why Jack Whighton was allowed to play for NSW when he's British?

Give jason a few beers, his real accent will come out when he rejects qld for mmt

It will become an All Star series soon

Can someone tell me who Tonie Carroll is?

Yet no mention of To'o and Luai who played for Samoa 2 years ago can now play origin. So it's OK if they are NSW players it seems.

I’d love to know Kent’s thoughts on Keary being born in Queensland and still not allowed to play for the maroons

A proud Nz born Tongan who’s lived in Qld most his life..? Why can’t he represent his beloved state with the same pride.

There is about 10 players in origin who were born in nz that chose to play for Origin for MONEY! But they are suddenly classified as “People who have passion to play origin” lmao

It's called State of Origin, not Country of Origin. There can be a distinction between the state you can play for and the country you play for considering that there are a lot of polynesians who got their start in league playing in Australia from a young age.

Let the best players play state of origin - move forward .... u can play for your state then also play for your heritage country - will strengthen all tournaments!!! Move forward!

Create a Polynesian all-stars and make another tournament between them, the indigenous and Maori all-stars. I do think if any players have played origin and missed Kangaroo selection, they should be able to play for a tier 2 nation to help grow the int. Game

gotta love the banter. haha

As much as I don't like PK but he right SOO is for players who want to play for Australia and QLD and NSW

It’s always the same issue. If a player plays origin 5 years he can earn a $600 k or play for a small pacific island and make 100k if he’s lucky. Maybe if origin wasn’t such a cash cow international would be bigger and better.

This isn’t Sizzler. Stop trying to have green jelly cubes, croutons and chocolate sauce with sprinkles in the same bowl.

Every SOO game night should be a double or triple header involving other test teams.. they can get the feel of a SOO night and fans at grounds and watching tv can get a few games of good footy...

I'm a kiwi supporter and I reckon kiwis should not be able to play state of origin. It should be for Australian players that want to rep the kangaroos

So he's considered a good enough Ozzy because he's been there since 13. Commit a crime he's automatically a Kiwi and deported.

What if your not from QLD or NSW say Victoria, your not eligible for either origin team, are you straight in the national team then ?

I love Origin but I hate to admit that I loved the "Tri Series" that Super League created the one year it existed. The best NSW, QLD and I think New Zealand or ( Polynesian ) sides playing against each other. The problem with it all is the NRL and Australia Rugby League don't stick to their own rules.

State of origin means the states in Australia. It's got nothing to with what team they play for in Rugby League

As a Kiwis fan, it's already confusing enough. Players like Josh Papali'i, Felise Kaufusi, Junior Paulo were all born in NZ, as was Taumalolo and countless others. If NZ and other smaller playing nations had a chance at retaining these players, the international game would be more competitive than it is. Instead, the aforementioned have gone on to represent other nations and/or play SOO. SOO is superb to watch, but I wish it was not largely at the expense of other nations.

They should not pick any players that are of any other nationalities into the Australia team and Origen but encourage them to play for their own countries to Promote the NRL international game. State of Origin coaches and Australia coach should not pick any one else but Australian. If a player decides to put the religions to Australia then they should not be able to play for their own heritage country. Jason Tomallo pledge to allegiance to Tonga he should stick with Tonga not play origin End of story

It’s going to become more and more likely that more Polynesian boys are born in Australia, will be passionate to play origin for their state, and will be passionate about playing for their Polynesian country of origin. That to me is the upcoming dilemma for the NRL, state and international rugby league,

I see what PK is saying about the All Star path, but isn’t that what State of Origin is?? The best of the best stars of Queensland and New South Wales?

Whys it different with Lui, To’o, Paulo?

Origin should be about where you learned the game in school boy football and let the boys play heritage as well. Look at players like tino that won't make Australia but we want him to play international

The island teams are 2nd tier sides, (no disrespect as I know Tonga have beaten Australia.) You can play for Aus (and NSW/QLD) then go on to play for the island teams, just as Hayne and Civoniceva did. That’s fine cause everyone wants to see the island teams flourish. But you can’t play for NZ of England and then play SOO. NZ and England are also tier 1 sides so the same rules don’t apply. Taumololo is ineligible cause he played for NZ. That’s it. Don’t mess with origin for God’s sake... the whole concept was successful cause it finally allowed people who originated from QLD to represent their home state. The passion doesn’t exist on the same level in club football.

Its bloody over if he does play QUEENSLANDER all the way...

Qld player=Australia,NSW player=Australia.It shouldn't and can't be Qld player=Tonga or NSW player=Tonga or Samoa,simple as that.So pick allegiance to Australia and you are eligible to play State Of Origin,but if not than don't bother.

State of Origin should only be for those that want to play for Australia. Make international matches more high stakes so it has a level of competition similar to Origin

I love the SOO and the rules should never be changed. Why don’t they create a NZ V The Islands series of their own.

Whenever Kenty hears a view that’s contrary to his own, he doesn’t want to, not only listen, he doesn’t want to hear it.

i think origin should be kept the way it has always been, don’t go messing with it...

I don’t know what the rules are now, but used to be, if you played for another country, you couldn’t play Original. Benji Marshal played for New Zealand, so never played for New South Wales.

Kent is 100 percent right 👌💯

How buzz can get a spot on tv will do me. He is the knowitall grandfather in a recliner with no clue. He is embarrassing. SOO is for people who choose their Australian allegiance

You can be Tongan and be from queensland. Difference is taumalolo isn't from queensland, the bloke was already in high-school by the time he moved to aus. Luai is born and raised in Sydney even tho he's Tongan so yes he should be allowed to play soo

Didnt Fien play for the Kiwis? He played Origin too

If allowed, Origin ratings will get even worse. The state v state passion will be watered down. If you've already represented another country, you should be excluded for Origin selection.

Taumalolo should not be allowed to play origin, end of story.

Taumalolo's Tier 1 Nation is NZ therefore he cant play Origin simple as that

Tony Carrol from the broncos played for Australia and NZ and Cambell-Gillard from parramatta played for Solomon Island before Australia. JT should just claim racism or not being inclusive and the NRL will cave in as it always does.

JT gave up his right to play origin when he chose to play for the kiwis. Sbw tried the same thing and failed so why let Jt play..

the only time I've ever heard Dan Ginnane raise his voice other than the commentators box lmao

Buzz is moving with the times. Tough argument for the ones who don’t want to change things that have been for years on end.

Don’t see the big deal in letting them playing for QLD or NSW 🤷🏻

You guys don't know your history Brad Thorn, Craig Smith, Tonie Carroll All played for New Zealand and State of Origin for Queensland. Adrian Lam also played for Queensland and played for Papua New Guinea. Greg Inglis was born in Kempsey Played for Hunter Sports High School in Newcastle NSW. Born in NSW played his first game of football in NSW. Yet got picked for Queensland. On 14 occasions of the 18 series, Queensland have won. It had a greater proportion of 77% dependency of non-State players. No, we don't want it for anyone to play The system has been manipulated enough.

I am Tongan and I think Jason has gone too far.He has done a lot for us Tongans and the Pacific but I believe the origin should be for those who play for Australia.Please don’t confuse us all more!Australia has supported you guys to rep our nations,please leave it as that!

Im am partly with kenty here because like for example a kiwi is a stepping stone to play for Australia

First and probably only time I will agree with Buzz ffs!!!

Don’t even think about changing origin

For once I agree with Buzz. If Islander boys choose to play for Australia just to they can play origin, then it weakens their native countries team. International sport should be about your heritage and Origin should be about where you grew up. Talmololo grew up in QLD, so he should be allowed to play for them. His Heritage is Tongan, so he should be able to play for them too. Its a different story if the Islander boys didnt even grow up in QLD and want to play for them, but Talmololo did, so let him play. I'm a NSW supporter btw.

I agree with Buzz - origin is a spectacle and they should loosen eligibility the rules a bit.

Taumalolo Played Origin Under 16's for QLD. What's wrong with him playing now ? He played for QLD before he played for NZ and or Tonga.

Shows you how much they claim their pride in their heritage when they will drop it at a dime for origin #plasticpride

Talking about origin viewing numbers being down year on year. I haven't been as into origin as I once was when they moved a game to Adelaide. Became less of a the grudge state vs state to a showpiece.

If you grew up in the state you can play for them. Should be anyway

What has a state got to do with what country you want to represent

Hooper and Kent were hired by Buzz at the Telegraph. They should show more respect.

Craig Smith captained New Zealand before he played for Queensland from what I can remember?

Way to ruin the SOO concept. Polynesian players think they can play for Australia/NZ and jump ship and then come back so they can play for NSW/QLD. None of the Polynesian boys are proud to represent Australia or NSW/QLD.

It's state vs state for a reason if anyone can play than it will just be another all stars game which doesn't rate. If his happens it will destroy state of origin because no one will be emotionally invested.

They should make it if you represented school boys origin you automatically qualify. And international be your heritage.

Rules are rules. Rules clearly state that you can play Origin, as long as you do not, nor have played for a Tier 1 nation. If you want to rectify the issue. Either make Tonga and Samoa Tier 1, give them the funding they deserve as Tier 1. Or make it that origin players can only play for Australia. Until then, don't complain

50% Polynesian + Australian Indigenous?? + Australian European?? + Other... dose anyone know these stats. Game has change significantly as a teenager in the late 80's there were only a handful of Polynesian players. Definitely a paradigm shift now a days.

Agree with kenty 100%!!!

To play origin it used to be where you played you’re first grade game

Tonga Samoa, Fiji, Papua etc etc not strong enough individuallly to put a consistent team together. Let them join into a Pacific Island Team, like the West Indies cricket team do, then let them run a State of Origin type comp, with NSW, QLD, NZ and Pacific Islanders. Then out of 16 NRL teams consolidated down to 4 teams. So the best players. You cant really dilute the teams much down past 4 for top tier mid season comp.

Adrian Lam played for PNG and QLD.

Rugby league can’t get any worse..Origin - Hold my beer 😝

Is it that much of a big deal? Pacific island international reps get to play origin already. And how many NZ reps actually qualify AND would force their way into origin teams right now? Taumalolo and who else?