Sharks duo Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora have both publicly declared their desire to one day compete in the State of Origin arena after eligibility rules were lifted.
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Players who have represented both England and New Zealand can now put their hand up for Origin selection, opening the door for the likes of Nikora (NZ), Fonua-Blake and Victor Radley (England) among others.
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Fonua-Blake represents Tonga now, but back in 2017, played in a Test for New Zealand, meaning he’s been ineligible for the Origin arena … until now.
Despite spending his early years in Brisbane, Fonua-Blake is committing to NSW after moving to Sydney when he was around five years old.
“I’m 100 per cent (NSW). I played one year (league) with Logan Brothers, and then we came down here to (Sydney),” Fonua-Blake told Code Sports.
“When you watch how brutal it (State of Origin) used to be, that’s the game I fell in love with.
“Big rivalries like that, it’s something in sport people love and to be a part of it would be a great feeling.
“While I’m available now, I still haven’t made the team, I’m still going to have to work hard and try and get a look in … It’s another challenge I can try and tick off.”
Fonua-Blake also said the opportunity to play alongside a player of Payne Haas’ calibre would be a dream — or a nightmare for those north of the border.
“Payne’s a generational talent. No doubt when he’s finished up, he’ll probably be an immortal of the game,” he said.
“To have the chance to play alongside him, that’s something that would be pretty special. I’ll be taking notes off him if I ever get that chance.
“I haven’t heard from Loz at all. I’m sure he’s got plenty on his plate. I’m just going to play the best I can and if that opportunity arises, I’ll take it with both hands.
“I know there’s a lot of lads in the game that are happy that they finally get the chance to go up against the best in the pinnacle of the sport.”
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In addition to Fonua-Blake, Nikora is bursting to experience the Origin arena.
Nikora moved to the Gold Coast from NZ when he was nine, meaning he’s now eligible for the Maroons.
“If it comes, I won’t back down,” Nikora told Code Sports.
“I’ll be keen and if he (QLD coach Billy Slater) wanted to have a chat with me and what not, yeah, I’d put my hand up for it straight away.
“Of course I want to put my hand up for Origin. That’s the biggest thing in this sport.”
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