In the 2005 State of Origin series, NSW used 22 players. None of them were eligible to play for any regularly playing rugby league nation other than Australia.

Fast-forward two decades to Michael Maguire’s series-conquering feats with the Blues in 2024, and the team list highlights just how significant the Polynesian influence now is on the sport.

In the opening game of last year’s series, Maguire picked seven players who were eligible to represent either Tonga or Samoa.

They were Samoa’s Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Payne Haas, Spencer Leniu and Joseph Suaalii, as well as Tonga’s Haumole Olakau’atu.

The same goes for Queensland, who used 10 players across the series who were eligible to represent other nations, not including the injured Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

The news of Haas’ likely defection from Australia to Samoa has ignited a seemingly annual debate about State of Origin eligibility rules.

Payne Haas charges into the Queensland defence during game one of the 2024 Origin series.Credit: Getty Images

As the rules stand, those who make themselves available to play for NSW or Queensland are prohibited from representing a tier-one........

© Brisbane Times