21 Jun 2012

Origin eligibility debacle continues

6:45 pm on 21 June 2012

The New Zealand Rugby League CEO Jim Doyle is having discussions in Australia that will surely include the ongoing issue of international eligibility and State of Origin.

Following the Palmerston-North born James Tamou's defection to Australia so he could play for New South Wales, the battle over who can claim the Auckland-born prop Sam Kasiano continues - despite Queensland coach Mal Meninga today ruling out rushing Kasiano into their squad for the Origin series decider.

The Kiwis football manager Tony Kemp says the Australians have to sort out their own house. Kemp says it's simple - either it's an all-star game and the likes of Benji Marshall and Sam Burgess can play while still representing New Zealand and England respectively, or it's just Australian players.

He says it's crucial the international game remains the pinnacle.

Tony Kemp of the New Zealand Rugby League.