Caslick, Pelite get green light to play for Maroons in Origin

The NRLW's rugby sevens contingent has been given the green light to be selected for State of Origin should the states opt to pick them, and if Rugby Australia allows it.

Despite not playing any club rugby league prior to the Telstra Women's Premiership kicking off, the likes of Charlotte Caslick and Evania Pelite could line up for Queensland on November 13 should they receive the all-clear from the QRL and Rugby Australia.

Caslick has remained open to the prospect of pulling on a Maroons jersey before returning to the rugby sevens circuit to prepare for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

The 25-year-old told media prior to her NRLW debut she would "leave the window open" if she showed enough in her performances for the Tricolours.

The Brisbane-born flyer could be joined by Pelite and Broncos centre Lauren Brown, who at least played for Burleigh in the Holcim Cup this season.

Eligibility rules around women's State of Origin tightened in 2019 with Kiwi Ferns representatives Nita Maynard and Maitua Feterika banned from playing for NSW and Queensland respectively after the scrapping of the residency rule.

The women's game is moving closer to the same format as the men's rules with players who weren't born in NSW or Queensland needing to prove their residential status prior to turning 13 in a bid to play for a state.

Warriors star Ellia Green, who was born in the Fijian capital Suva, but moved to NSW's Central Coast at the age of five, would be eligible for the Blues under the current rules.

However, NSWRL officials have their own regulations in place with their incumbent Origin players asked to play in the Harvey Norman Women's Premiership or country competitions to be available for selection.

Whether NSW coach Andrew Patmore would also replace one of his star-studded backline incumbents for Green, also remains to be seen.

Another looming dilemma for Patmore is around border restrictions in place between NSW and Queensland that could mean players must undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival to the Sunshine Coast next month.

Players have been warned that scenario is likely to take place regardless of the drop in positive COVID-19 cases in NSW with a date for Queensland's possible re-opening of its borders uncertain.

A fly-in, fly-out scenario for the NSW team has virtually been wiped from discussions given Queensland players, many of whom are in a bubble with the Broncos, would have to extend their quarantine a further 14 days after making physical contact with a NSW team.

Sydney-based Caslick, Green and Pelite would be among those affected by the restrictions if they are chosen to play in Origin.