Players will be able to nominate two countries they wish to represent under a radical eligibility proposal that would effectively kill off any chance of Canterbury's Morris twins defecting to England.
The Rugby League International Federation is reviewing the existing eligibility laws with a view to making it easier for players who miss out on Australian, New Zealand or English selection to become available for emerging nations. A discussion paper currently being circulated to member nations is considering an overhaul that would make it easier for players to switch allegiances without repercussions to increase the profile and competitiveness of the international game.
Under the proposal, eligible players could nominate one of the three tier-one nations – comprising Australia, New Zealand and England – and then any other team they qualify for, with the remaining countries classified as tier-two nations.
But no shifting would be allowed between the tier-one nations, meaning there couldn't be another case like that of Tonie Carroll, who represented Australia and New Zealand. If the initiative is passed, it would mean that Brett and Josh Morris – who could technically qualify for England through their grandparents and because their mother was born in the country – couldn't switch over because they have already represented the Kangaroos.
England coach Wayne Bennett has reportedly expressed interest in the twins playing under him, while Trent Hodkinson is also said to be a target. Former England coach Steve McNamara sounded out Hodkinson, who qualifies through his father's heritage, about the prospect of representing the nation in 2014. But he abandoned the idea after he was called up for the State of Origin series about a month later.
Under the current framework, the trio could technically switch over should they wish to be part of the squad Bennett is preparing for his World Cup tilt.
"There's been no chat between Wayne and us about that," Brett Morris said on Monday.
"We are eligible to play for England through our grandad and our mother lived in England until she was 13. There is that option but it's not something we've looked into seriously at all."
It's understood some officials are keen to press ahead with the rule changes before the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, while others believe it would be better to act after the completion of the tournament. Administrators are mindful some players, such as Huddersfield star Danny Brough and Penrith utility Peter Wallace, have made calls about their representative future under the existing rules. Brough has made the decision to switch from England to Scotland, while former Blues half Wallace has indicated he is keen to add to his four appearances for the Scots.
The financial lure of putting Australia first is considerable, with Kangaroos stars earning up to $20,000 per Test. The RLIF, who along with the NRL have no jurisdiction over each nation's match fees, believe the proposed tweaks will allow the best players to play as often as possible, particularly those who put down Australia as their first choice but are overlooked for selection. It could result in the emerging Pacific Nations soon fielding teams capable of regularly challenging the traditional league powerhouses.
It also means State of Origin stars will be free to represent countries other than Australia and a star such as Anthony Milford could move between Samoa, Queensland and Tonga depending on where he gets picked. But once a tournament has begun, a player wouldn't be able to switch between teams until that competition had been completed.
