[quote author=Rex link=topic=185750.msg302251#msg302251 date=1286958664]
The more of a contest, the greater the passion.
Once upon a time the interstate matches were based on residency and it was a no-contest. Rules changed to state of origin, the contest grew and so did the passion.
Kiwis representing Manly? A horror 60 years ago, no problem now.
If your grandmother owned an English Bulldog, maybe that's enough to play for the Poms. If you've a distant relative in Bondi then you're a Kiwi. Don't care much what rules they bring in if they bring back a contest.