Five Dynamic Players Now Cleared for State of Origin Selection: Boost Your Team’s Lineup

The National Rugby League (NRL) has ushered in a new era by revamping the eligibility rules for State of Origin, opening doors for numerous standout players across the league to join the prestigious competition.

Under the previous guidelines, individuals born in or who had represented New Zealand and England were barred from participating in the State of Origin series, as both nations were classified as tier one rugby league countries. This restriction severely limited the talent pool available for New South Wales and Queensland teams.

However, with the introduction of the revised eligibility criteria, these constraints have been lifted, radically altering the landscape of player selection.

Among the most notable players poised to make an impact due to these changes, here are five who were once sidelined by the old rules but now have a chance to shine in this year’s Origin series.

Addin Fonua-Blake

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.