Allora

I think the name State of Origin has something to do with it. It used to be which State you first came into grade football, its changed a few times since then.

He is not eligible and more than a very long shot to be selected if he was.

Maybe its because he was born in Australia and has obviously been brought up as an Australian with an Australian Mother. Just because his Father has a thick Yorkshire accent does not mean he should want to play for England, often its a fall back position should he not make SOO and the Kangaroos squads. Its been seen before a few times.

He was born in Sydney.

He played nine games for Norths Devils last year.

I did not miss Hodgkinson, I didn't think anyone would want him either way. He is an also ran. When was the last time Australia picked a player that has never lived in Australia or been brought up in Australia through their Parents or Grand parents? The closest thing was the Fijian Winger on residency rules, they changed the rules after that debacle. England has chosen several players on residency rules like Rangi Chase amongst others.

Surely a "Tier One Nation" like England does not need heritage players like the Morris Twins already capped by the nation of their birth or lay claim to players like Radley or others through their Fathers or Grandparents. Ryan Sutton has not played in the NRL Andre Savelio was born a Kiwi and has not played in the NRL Herbie Farnworth has not played first grade in the NRL and is a fringe player for one of their feeder Clubs. Just associating these players with England makes England look like another Tonga or Samoa.

I can not imagine a Town like Wigan has accommodation much beyond the average, about from the odd Sales Rep who is going there?

Dean Pay announced as the Bulldogs Coach, worst kept secret it seems.

Ponga is being reported as having an offer from Newcastle of $3,000,000 over 5 years. Big offer for a very talented player with very limited first team experience.