Peacock wants State of Origin change

Former England captain Jamie Peacock says State of Origin and Australian eligibility should be separated for the good of the international game.

At present, players are unable to play for Queensland or New South Wales if they have opted to play representative rugby league for a country other than Australia.

It has led to the likes of North Queensland forward James Tamou, born in New Zealand, representing Australia to ensure he can pull on the Blues jumper, and he made his Kangaroos debut against New Zealand back in April.

Peacock, who retired from international rugby league earlier this year after winning 44 caps for Great Britain and England, wants things to change.

He said: “With guys like (James) Tamou, he should play for New Zealand and New South Wales. That rule needs to change over there.

“If you’re born in New Zealand or have New Zealand parents but you play your first club football in NSW or Brisbane … I think (Origin) is killing (international football) a bit, really.

“And if you had a bigger international scene, you wouldn’t have it as much. Players think they won’t get the chance to play the big teams so they choose to represent Australia or England or New Zealand.”