The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio believes Samoa will be elevated to a Tier One rugby league nation after reaching an unlikely World Cup final.
After being hammered 60-6 by England in the opening game of the tournament, Matt Parish’s team bounced back to defeat the hosts in a golden-point thriller semi final 27-26.
As it stands players who represent Tier One nations, England and New Zealand, are unable to play in Origin, while those who play for Tier Two nations are eligible.
Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Cleary and Luai to put mateship aside | 01:36
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
But Samoa’s rise could see a total overhaul of eligibility rules which could shake-up representative football forever.
“I think it’s inevitable that they do make that elevation up to a tier one nation, when you consider the influence of so many New South Wales players in this Samoan team, I think we are heading down a path of an overhaul of the State of Origin eligibility rules,” Riccio said on SEN 1170.
“Not only the rise and success on the international stage but also to the influence of Pacific Origin related players that are playing in the NRL, it’s a huge percentage.”
Riccio pointed to NSW coach Brad Fittler, who revealed that an overhaul is set to be discussed with a number of Samoan and Tongan players competing in State of Origin.
“This is going to be something I think that is bound to happen, I think there is going to be an Origin overhaul, Freddy (Brad Fittler) is saying it is almost certain to be discussed,” Riccio said.
“I’m a little bit torn, but then I sense as far as saying you’re only eligible for Australia to represent New South Wales or Queensland, but I also see where the game is changing.
“I would think that it would be to Origin’s detriment if we continued down the current rules and eligible path.”
Jillaroos thrash PNG to reach Final! | 01:32
MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
TALKING POINTS: Cleary headache Mal doesn’t need; Samoan sparks $1m problem
TRANSFER CENTRE: Tigers gun inks extension; clubs confirm development players
‘CAN’T IMAGINE HOW MUCH PAIN’: Kiwi star’s message to NRL over pay dispute
EARLY MAIL: Samoa’s No.9 crisis as injury carnage strikes; enforcer’s shoulder issue
Meanwhile, Fox League’s Andrew Voss said he believes international teams should be competing in their own tournaments alongside State of Origin.
“I think it’s BS that we are talking in this context, all we are talking about is how important State of Origin is to us, that is so wrong,” Voss said.
“Open your eyes, open your ears, so what has happened here at this Rugby League World Cup, Tonga v Samoa v New Zealand is their own competition that can be as good as State of Origin.
“The rugby league will be better for all of us if we put a bit of energy into those nations playing each other at the same time.”
Samoa’s international rankings is set to spike following the 2022 World Cup, but they may not be granted Tier One status.
The Rugby League International Federation introduced a tier system in 2016 — and a nation’s tier isn’t based solely off the team’s on-field success.
It goes much deeper than that with nations expected to meet a number of requirements including participation numbers, domestic senior competitions, junior development and access to recourses.
