State of Origin: Kevin Walters rejects plan for Jason Taumalolo to play for the Maroons

Former Maroons coach Kevin Walters is adamant the likes of Tongan Test star Jason Taumalolo should not be seen in the Origin arena.

Jason Taumalolo. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Former Maroons coach Kevin Walters has hit out at an ARL Commission proposal that would enable Cowboys wrecking ball Jason Taumalolo to play State of Origin for Queensland.

Walters was forced to stand down as Queensland coach last year to take charge of the Broncos and one of the state’s most passionate players has scoffed at the thought of Taumalolo wearing Maroon.

Walters’ stance comes just days after his Queensland coaching predecessor Mal Meninga also rejected the prospect of Cowboys sensation Taumalolo making his Origin debut either this season or next year.

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Under a proposal by Project Apollo boss Wayne Pearce, the former NSW Origin lock, Pacific Island players from tier-two nations such as Tonga, Samoa and Fiji would be afforded dual eligibility to also play for Queensland or NSW.

Polynesian candidates would have to have lived in Australia from the age 13, a qualification rule Taumalolo meets after he moved to Townsville from New Zealand as a 13-year-old.

Former Maroons coach Kevin Walters does not support a proposal to change State of Origin eligibility rules.

But Walters, who coached Queensland in four campaigns from 2016-19, believes the sight of Taumalolo in Maroon colours would undermine the credibility of State of Origin.

“I don’t believe any rules need to be changed at the moment with the State of Origin series and the format of it all and the eligibility rules,” he said.

“I feel the series is in great shape, we have great players playing from both states.

“They make up a terrific contest and introducing some outside noise would take some air out of the tyres of what State of Origin is all about.

“It’s passion for your state, your jersey and your teammates.”

Taumalolo has appealed for ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys to clear the eligibility path that would allow him to concurrently represent Tonga and the Maroons.

Queensland fans would be salivating at the prospect of Taumalolo — the NRL’s most destructive ball-running forward — terrorising the Blues in Maroon alongside David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

“I want to represent Queensland,” Taumalolo told News Corp earlier this week. “It is where I have grown up and I am proud of where I live, especially being from North Queensland.

“I love Tonga and that will always be my family’s heritage, but in my mind I am also a Queenslander.

“I have played for Queensland at schoolboys level so hopefully I‘m allowed to play State of Origin, it would be the pinnacle to be in that arena.”

Queensland coach Paul Green remains hopeful Taumalolo will be given the green light to represent the Maroons.

“I am interested in Jason playing for Queensland,” Green said.

“I‘ve spoken to his management in the last week or so.

Jason Taumalolo wants to play for the Maroons in State of Origin. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“I don’t know how it will be perceived but I don’t have an issue with Jason running out in Queensland colours.

“I suspect he would be eligible for Origin. I am looking into it a bit further because I don‘t have all the answers yet, but the main question is where players lived before the age of 13 and that’s Queensland for Jason.

“Jase wanted to play for Tonga in honour of his heritage, but he has lived in Queensland longer than anywhere else in his life.

“This is definitely not a money grab (Origin players earn $90,000 for a three-game series). Jason has lived (in Australia) since he was 13, he played junior rep games for Queensland.

“It would be sensational for the series, it would generate some interest.”

Originally published as State of Origin: Kevin Walters rejects plan for Jason Taumalolo to play for the Maroons