Original sentence: Because State of Origin is so popular, players eligible to represent Australia as well as another country often choose Australia, not only to play for the national side, but also to play State of Origin (as was the case with Hunt)
Edited sentence: As State of Origin is regarded as the highest standard of rugby league in the world, players eligible to represent Australia as well as another country often choose Australia, not only to play for the national side, but also to play State of Origin (as was the case with Hunt)