League powerbrokers are pressure-testing a range of potential scenarios, including allowing players to switch their nation of allegiance as many times as they like without fear of reprisal.

The idea is to encourage eligible players to represent nations such as Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea if they miss out on Kangaroo or Kiwi call-ups.

As an example, the mooted rule change would allow Anthony Milford – who has Samoan and Australian heritage – to play for the green and golds should coach Mal Meninga deem him worthy. However, should he miss the cut, he could then be chosen for Samoa – and then switch back to the Roos on a later date.

All the while, Queensland coach Kevin Walters would be able to pick the Brisbane product as part of his Origin side if he saw fit. The scenario raised the prospect of non-Australian players being available for Origin, as well as players representing one nation for a particular tournament – then playing against them for the next. All the while, there would be no change to the Origin eligibility laws themselves.

Normally, players who commit to their country need to wait two years before they can swap, but the proposed rule changes allow for a more fluid transfer of talent around the world. The idea is to increase the profile of rugby league globally and prevent the powerful nations from stockpiling star players they may never use.

It would also be a boost to the emerging Pacific islands, who will be able to field teams strong enough to challenge the traditional league powerhouses of Australia, New Zealand and England. Consideration is also being given to extending the residency period required to qualify for national selection.

Fijian-born Parramatta superstar Semi Radradra controversially qualified for the Kangaroos because he had spent the three years required under the current residency rule.

However, there are feelings the residency period should be extended to a time frame of between five and 10 years in another mooted change with huge implications for the international game.

It's understood the RLIF is torn between fast-tracking the changes before the season-ending Four Nations tournament and holding fire to witness the potential implications on junior representative fixtures like the Jnr Roos and Kiwis clashes. Should the lawmakers go ahead, it will allow more stars to honour their heritage and play in next year's Rugby League World Cup.

Meninga has previously spoken about the need to overhaul the rules to promote the game internationally. The RLIF board convened during the week to discuss the issues, with chairman Nigel Wood stating: "The board received a report from the chief executive concerning the eligibility rules and the RLIF regulations for international football.

"The board determined that an immediate review of eligibility rules should be conducted by David Collier, the chief executive of the RLIF, and Andrew Hill, the secretary of the RLIF."

Former American international Clint Newton, the general president of the Rugby League Players Association, said he was in favour of any changes that promoted the game globally. "You want the best players playing and ... you want the players to have the best opportunity to play for the country or rep side that they choose to play for," Newton said. "It's about empowering the players to make their own decisions and that's what we will certainly promote."