State of Origin: QRL boss Bruce Hatcher supports move to see Jason Taumalolo in Maroon

Maroons legends are torn over Origin eligibility rule changes, but Queensland bosses want Jason Taumalolo to pull on the jersey in 2021.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Jason Taumalolo of the Cowboys speaks to the media before the start of the round two NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the St George Illawarra Dragons at QCB Stadium, on March 20, 2021, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Queensland Rugby League boss Bruce Hatcher has rejected criticism over whether Jason Taumalolo should play State of Origin after throwing his full support behind having the Tongan tearaway in Maroon this year.

Under a proposal by Project Apollo boss Wayne Pearce, Pacific Island players from tier-two nations such as Tonga, Samoa and Fiji would be allowed dual eligibility to also play for Queenssland and NSW.

The eligibility criteria under the new plan would require Polynesian candidates to have lived in Australia from the age of 13.

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Jason Taumalolo is determined to play for Queensland this year.

And with Taumalolo meeting those proposed eligibility requirements, Hatcher believed the Tongan international should be allowed to line up for the Maroons in the upcoming Origin series.

Asked whether he would like to see Taumalolo in the Maroon jersey, Hatcher replied: “I couldn’t think of anyone better”.

“If you look at Jason’s history, he was here at about 12-years-old and played all the way through for Queensland in those Under 18s competitions.

“He then played in (Queensland’s premier rugby league competition) the Intrust Super Cup.

“And now he’s clearly at a point in his life where he wants to play Origin.”

Taumalolo revealed his ambition to play for Queensland when speaking to News Corp last week and has appealed for ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys to clear the eligibility path.

Jason Taumalolo represented Queensland as a young player.

“I want to represent Queensland,” Taumalolo said.

“It is where I have grown up and I am proud of where I live, especially being from North Queensland.”

The proposal has sparked a debate among former rugby league and Origin greats over whether he should be allowed to play for Queensland.

Former Maroons coaches Kevin Walters and Mal Meninga have both rejected the prospect of seeing the Cowboys wrecking ball play for Queensland, arguing eligibility rules do not need to be changed.

However, current Queensland coach Paul Green remains hopeful of having Taumalolo in Maroon this year.

Bruce Hatcher wants Taumalolo playing Origin.

And with the QRL boss keen to see Taumalolo in the Maroon, the giant forward is one step closer to playing for Queensland.

“He’s such a great player,” Hatcher said.

“If those rules are applied, I think he’s eligible.

“He’s played here in Queensland through all of his junior competitions and played all the way through to Intrust Super Cup and now he’s an NRL player out of a Queensland-based set up.

“It’s pretty hard to knock him back.”