Overview

• The review will apply solely to Tier-1 eligible players from New Zealand and England while Tier-2 nations remain unaffected.
• Existing residency criteria requiring players to have lived in New South Wales or Queensland before age 13 would stay in place under the proposed changes.
• NZRL chief Greg Peters and players such as Kalyn Ponga have backed the overhaul to reopen pathways for Kiwi internationals and strengthen global competition.
• Andrew Johns has criticised the idea, arguing that integrating Kiwi and English players could dilute State of Origin’s traditional prestige.
• Peter V’landys says the commission will collect stakeholder input through the Pacific Championships and Ashes tour before finalising its off-season recommendation.