Push for Moses Leota's NSW State of Origin Eligibility Despite Rule Breach
NSW officials are being urged to seek special dispensation from the NRL to allow Penrith Panthers prop Moses Leota to represent New South Wales in the State of Origin series. Although Leota has spent more than half his life in western Sydney and developed through the local junior rugby league system, he currently fails the eligibility criteria by four months. The rules require players to have lived in NSW or Queensland before their 13th birthday; Leota arrived from Auckland in November 2008, shortly after turning 13. Prominent figures, including Penrith legends Mark Geyer and Greg Alexander, argue that common sense should prevail, emphasizing Leota's deep community ties and career-best form. They contend that granting an exception would not set a dangerous precedent. Leota himself has expressed a strong desire to play for the Blues, citing his long-standing support for the team. While NSW possesses strong front-row options, sources indicate the NRL is willing to assess the request, noting that the marginal nature of the rule breach and the league's recent flexibility could work in Leota's favor.
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Push for Moses Leota's NSW State of Origin Eligibility Despite Rule Breach
NSW officials are being urged to seek special dispensation from the NRL to allow Penrith Panthers prop Moses Leota to represent New South Wales in the State of Origin series. Although Leota has spent more than half his life in western Sydney and developed through the local junior rugby league system, he currently fails the eligibility criteria by four months. The rules require players to have lived in NSW or Queensland before their 13th birthday; Leota arrived from Auckland in November 2008, shortly after turning 13. Prominent figures, including Penrith legends Mark Geyer and Greg Alexander, argue that common sense should prevail, emphasizing Leota's deep community ties and career-best form. They contend that granting an exception would not set a dangerous precedent. Leota himself has expressed a strong desire to play for the Blues, citing his long-standing support for the team. While NSW possesses strong front-row options, sources indicate the NRL is willing to assess the request, noting that the marginal nature of the rule breach and the league's recent flexibility could work in Leota's favor.
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