Origin keeps Costigan from PNG

Queensland star Neville Costigan has said he would play for Papua New Guinea over Australia – if he had the choice.

Origin appearances are limited to those that commit to Australia, which means players who move overseas or play for other test nations are not selected.

Speaking to Rugby League Week magazine, the St George Illawarra star said: “I loved it when I played for the Kumuls. It would be pretty tough but if I was allowed to play for Queensland and have a pick between Kumuls and Australia, I’d probably go Kumuls.”

And in a broadside ahead of Saturday’s clash with his former club Canberra, Costigan says he left the Raiders because “I wasn’t allowed to go home that much during the year, you want to see your family.”