Dipping the toe into the water might be the right approach, to see the public response. They have ticked a box by saying we are thinking about overseas-based players, and so far the reaction has been positive.

It has taken a while but finally it's on the agenda that overseas-based players will be considered, and I applaud the decision, but it's the criteria set to be eligible that has caused some stir. That's my feeling as well. My view is they should open it up.

John Eales on Thursday explained the new policy is to reward those who have had a major contribution to Australian rugby. I totally understand and think that's admirable, but the net you are casting is very small.

In fact, it will only capture three guys currently playing overseas: Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and George Smith.

We all hear and know these three players are playing, with Giteau in particular excelling in France.

I have to ask, though, are these the guys you are trying to get to play again for the Wallabies?

Between them they have more than 250 caps and would be able to provide valuable direction to younger players, but I think it's those players that have opted to go overseas earlier in their playing careers, not fitting the criteria, that are the real target.

Kane Douglas is the perfect example. Someone who was an integral part of the Waratahs' successful year in 2014 and was surely on the scope of making one of the lock positions his own in years to come for the Wallabies.

I touched on this topic eight weeks ago when Michael Cheika mentioned spoke about the selection of local-based players for the Wallabies but leaving for abroad.

I went further and said that if a player is excelling overseas, then he should be considered purely on merit. The appropriate word being "considered".

So if you are going to say that overseas players are eligible for the Wallabies, open it up to everyone, not just a limited few.

My thoughts are in line with comments made by Rebels captain Scott Higginbotham and my former coach, Bob Dwyer. Both expressed the view that if you are going to make a bold decision like this, go the whole way.

Realistically right now, while there are a number of players applying their trade overseas, only a very small number would be asked.

This could change with the mass exodus after the Rugby World Cup.

Playing devil's advocate, taking the mindset of the individual living the life of an overseas player, they may want to forego their right to a international recall, because of what they have been experiencing locally.

In essence, the decision is not the ARU's to make, but for the overseas player to make themselves available. Do the players want to put themselves under that scrutiny again?

Way back in 2007 I received a phone call from then-Wallaby coach John Connolly asking if a return to Australia and playing Tests would be attractive proposition with injuries in the Wallabies, then looking ahead to the World Cup.

All this after being out of the Test scene for three years.

It was a massive ego boost, but after careful consideration I chose not to. There were so many other factors to weigh up than just getting the recall.

I was having too good a time playing for my club, enjoying what I was doing and without having the pressure and scrutiny of playing for another jersey. So the boys in France get to make the decision, not the coach or selectors.

It would be flattering to get the call, but just as easy to say "thanks, but no thanks".

That's for the veteran trio. If you were to open the possibility up to everyone, that would be a different kettle of fish. I would certainly imagine that players who moved mid-career would jump at the opportunity to say "yes, I am available for selection".

So while this announcement sounds like a forward-thinking strategy, will it achieve the the desired effect and entice players to stay in Australia?

In fact, if they still want to represent their country, it will restrict the amount of movement from players changing mid-career because the 60-Test mark is so hard to achieve – or will the lure of big European money still loom as large?

I just hope it's not a sign of desperation so close to the World Cup.