The Sydney-born prop has mostly played for Tonga at international level except for a solitary Kiwis cap won in 2017, which made him ineligible for NSW selection. The Origin changes now clear the way for one of the game's premier front-rowers to play for the Blues this year.
VICTOR RADLEY
Radley thought he had closed the door on a Blues jersey when he opted to represent England - his father's birth country - at the 2022 World Cup. The Sydney-born Roosters lock was previously part of extended NSW squads under Brad Fittler. Gold Coast fullback AJ Brimson fits into the same category.
KALYN PONGA
Newcastle's star fullback has been reluctant to make himself available for New Zealand due to fears such a move would rule him out of Queensland selection. The rule changes mean Ponga can now elect to play for the Kiwis and the Maroons.
CASEY MCLEAN AND KAEO WEEKES
Rising Penrith outside back McLean opted to represent New Zealand in 2024 despite being born in Sydney's west. McLean is some way off NSW selection but he and Canberra fullback Weekes, who has yet to play representative football, are now free to play for the Blues and the Kiwis.
SHANNON MATO
Mato, one of the most damaging forwards in the women's game, was born in New Zealand but has only played for Queensland. The forward would previously have been unable to represent the Kiwi Ferns but is now a realistic chance for New Zealand's World Cup squad.
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