‘Die for that jersey’: Storm star makes shock Origin call despite eligibility changes — NRL Daily
Storm and New Zealand star Jahrome Hughes has ruled himself out of playing State of Origin even if he is able to, despite changes to the eligibility rules. While the new rules allow players from tier one nations - England and New Zealand - to represent Queensland or NSW if they fit the rest of the criteria, Hughes lacks the passion for his state that makes Origin so special.
Speaking on the 167 Podcast alongside Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen, Hughes said he wouldn’t play Origin, even if eligible. He believes Origin is a spectacle because players are proud, and he wouldn’t feel that pride in a Queensland jersey. The 31-year-old, who was born in Wellington and has played 10 Tests for New Zealand, moved to Queensland in 2008 and attended Palm Beach Currumbin High School.
Hughes made his NRL debut with the Titans in 2013, before a three-year gap until his next game with the Cowboys in 2016. He then signed with the Storm for the 2017 season and has scored 69 tries in 168 games for the club, winning a premiership in 2020.
A day after the new State of Origin eligibility rules were confirmed by the NRL, Queensland Rugby League (QRL) CEO Ben Ikin revealed that players will not be selected unless they are “genuinely committed” to the state. While the likes of Nikora and potentially 2024 Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes are now available for selection, Queensland have a storied history of picking players who were born outside of Australia.
Jeremiah Nanai, Moeaki Fotuaika, Robert Toia, and Xavier Coates were all born outside of Australia. Meanwhile, former Queensland stars Brad Thorn, Tonie Carroll, and Petero Civoniceva had represented another country on the international arena.
Matty Johns believes the new Origin eligibility laws will save the international game and allow the best players to feature for both state and country. He's excited by the prospect of Addin Fonua-Blake playing in the Origin arena after he pledged his allegiance to NSW and believes the new system will allow international footy to become even more competitive.
