Brad Fittler’s simple solution to put an end to Origin’s biggest debate

Brad Fittler has a simple solution for the ongoing eligibility debate in rugby league which he believes will allow both State of Origin and the international game to flourish without cannibalising each other.

Loud cries for countries like Samoa and Tonga to be elevated to tier one status after their recent World Cup performances appear off the mark given on field achievements are far from the sole criteria.

Participation, governance and resources are a few of the factors that are taken into consideration and it’s why the International Rugby League recently said that the two Pacific nations wouldn’t be promoted at this stage.

Some of NSW’s best players lined up for Samoa at the World Cup. Picture; Matthew Lewis/Getty Images for RLWCSource: Getty Images

Game 3

Ronaldo Mulitalo wanted to play for Queensland last year. Picture; Jan Kruger/Getty Images for RLWCSource: Getty Images

Muddying the waters slightly is someone like Victor Radley, who chose to represent England at the World Cup, which forfeited his hopes of pulling on the blue jersey.

It’s an issue Fittler wants addressed given he coached someone like Sebastian Kris in 2017 for the under-18s NSW side, only to see the outside back represent New Zealand at the World Cup.

Ronaldo Mulitalo played in that game five years ago for Queensland, but was banned from representing his state in 2021, forcing him to play for the Kiwis.

“Sebastian Kris just played for New Zealand after he played for NSW ever since he was 15,” Fittler said.

“Reimis Smith played for New Zealand but he’s played for NSW and grew up in NSW since he was a baby.

“I wonder why these players don’t have the chance or the opportunity to play for NSW because of the heritage of their father, and they get the ability to play international football at some stage of their career.”