NZ Origin

1-off annual concept. I like it.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/kiwis-consider-origin-as-a-strategy-to-retain-talent/story-e6frfgbo-1226330701787

Clearly it won't stop the guys who *really* want to play real Origin, but I think the match itself would be fun - especially given how much everyone hates Auckland.



gc.

Love it

There are going to be some issues with eligibility though (lol)

e.g. who do Aussie born Kiwis like Frank Pritchard play for?

Probably whichever side is lighter on numbers when it's established.

What a joke.

As if a "NZ Origin" would ever compete with the history, allure and greatness of State Of Origin

That and the fact that 90% of our league pedigree is based in Auckland.

Next.

All 30 years of history? Hardly forever.

That's only in its latest incarnation. Interstate matches, and rivalry, has been going for a lot longer than that.

I have a page saved at home which showed some potential teams for an Auckland/Aussie born V the rest of New Zealand lineup and it's surprisingly even. Will post it up when I get home for ya Grind.

Surely the Aussie born would just go into the 'outside Auckland' team? Makes sense, and would even things up big time.

I reckon it would be a sweet game! Untwist your knickers please grinder!

:>

gc.

Yeah but it was basically shit and horribly lopsided in favour of NSW wasnt it?

Im all for this but it reminds me how unbelievably inept the NZRL has always been. How they have missed out on hitching onto this cashcow for so long is baffling

League is so hilariously bad at admin. Anyone remember that NZRL chief who instead doing obvious shit like this wanted to enter the Wellington Dolphins into the Super League? ....I mean ffs

In the late 70s NSW declined to host a match in the series, as it was lucky to draw more than a few thousand supporters.

Yeah, there's nothing to say that we can't have an appealing and enjoyable spectacle, even if it doesn't compare to the heady levels of SOO.



gc.

Yeah, I guess I would be keen to watch it, presuming there was actually competition / enough players outside of Auckland to warrant it. Where's that list Dalai?

Even then, it wouldn't have any influence whatsoever over people choosing NZ over Aussie/Origin, but at least it would be a good laugh.

Yeah, I guess I would be keen to watch it, presuming there was actually competition / enough players outside of Auckland to warrant it. Where's that list Dalai?

Even then, it wouldn't have any influence whatsoever over people choosing NZ over Aussie/Origin, but at least it would be a good laugh.

Gah. Sorry mate, I'm on call at the moment and had a busy night last night, will grab it when I get home for you. It's from last year so a little out of date (it doesn't feature players like Kevin Locke or Shaun Johnson) but it's quite interesting.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-news/sport/5331809/Origin-the-tonic-for-Luke

There ya go. Slightly out of date, While Shaunie is in there, there's no Locke (he would be Auckland I think) and James Tamou is in the rest of NZ side but you get the drift...

From next year SBW would also be available for Auckland.

SBW would always be available for Auckland? He was born here. I thought Matt Duffie was too...definitely a St Kents boy at least

So many genuine NRL stars cOuld be a part if this. SBW Benji Blair MANU etc etc. I wonder if this idea came off it could be the catalyst for the ARL to change its Origin rules specifically to pwn the kiwi SoO before it gets out of hand. Wouldnt put it past them...$$$ obv

I meant he'd be playing league.

Jim Doyle apparently went on radio and suggested these as the teams for some version of NZ SoO:

AUCKLAND: Kevin Locke; Jason Nightingale, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Simon Mannering, Sam Perrett; Benji Marshall, Shaun Johnson; Sam McKendry, Issac Luke, Sam Rapira, Lewis Brown, Adam Blair, Jeremy Smith. Int: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Russell Packer, Ben Matulino, Sika Manu.
HEARTLAND: Josh Hoffman; Matt Duffie, Steve Matai, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei; Kieran Foran, Nathan Fien, Fuifui Moimoi, Alehana Mara, Roy Asotasi, Greg Eastwood, Frank Pritchard, Bronson Harrison. Int: Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Alex Glenn, Kevin Proctor, Gerard Beale.

Seems like he just randomly aassigned names to 2 teams. Isn't Mannering from Wellington? Isn't Lewis Brown from Christchurch?

wtf, just a casual google and it's clear those teams are fucking bullshit.

gg NZRL

Who is Jim Doyle?



gc.

NZRL boss

Sure. Ridiculous.



gc.

Just a quick glance and it's clear it's bullshit - um, Nathan Fien?

Manu is not from Auckland?

Lewis is def from Christchurch, what a mare. CEO of NZRL must pay 60k a year or something. Its no wonder we get owned by the ARL every time

Nathan Fien is from the Heartland?

CLEARLY!



gc.