Tevita Panga Jr considering choosing NSW Blues over Tonga
TEVITA Pangai Jr is considering giving up a Tonga jumper to chase his State of Origin dream after NSW coach Brad Fittler urged the Broncos sensation to explore a long-term future with the Blues.
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TEVITA Pangai Jr is considering giving up a Tonga jumper to chase his State of Origin dream after NSW coach Brad Fittler urged the Broncos sensation to explore a long-term future with the Blues.
Just a fortnight after turning out for Tonga in their historic Test against Australia, Pangai Jr has not ruled out having a crack at breaking into Fittler’s successful NSW Origin team next season.
Under the NRL’s representative eligibility rules, Pangai Jr can represent both Tonga and NSW because the World Cup semi-finalists are still rated a second-tier nation by the Rugby League International Federation.
The problem, however, relates to timing. It is understood a Test match between Tonga and New Zealand next year is likely to clash with the annual State of Origin series – forcing Pangai Jr to make a decision between NSW and Mate Ma’a.
If Tonga are eventually promoted to tier-one status, which appears likely given their form surge, Pangai Jr would then face the ultimate test of loyalty.
The 22-year-old made himself unavailable for NSW selection in March but said he was now seriously thinking about playing for the Blues in 2019.
“I don’t have to rush my decision now but it is attractive playing for the state I grew up in,” Pangai Jr said.
“I can play Origin and Tonga but there is a New Zealand-Tonga Test next year at the same time so it’s a decision I have to make.
“I’m a New South Welshman and I was born in Australia. I came off a high when I made my decision to commit to Tonga after the World Cup (last December) but I watched the State of Origin series this year and it was tough to watch.
“I have played for NSW at junior level ... but I don’t know what it’s like to put on that Origin jersey.”
Pangai Jr said a candid chat with Fittler had given him food for thought.
The Broncos hulk was invited into Blues camp in the lead-up to Origin III this year to experience the NSW culture in what could be another Fittler masterstroke.
“`Freddy’ (Fittler) had a conversation with me. He said I’ve got a long career ahead of me and I shouldn’t be ruling out Origin totally,” he said.
“I took that on board.
“I met the Blues guys and had dinner with the team before Origin III and that was awesome.
“Tommy Raudonikis (NSW legend) came in and spoke about hating Queensland. I may not have got picked anyway but it was great to be invited into camp for Game Three.
“I got to experience the Blues culture and it lit the fire in my belly.
“We are trying to grow international footy but in terms of football Origin is the pinnacle. I have a tough decision to make.”
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Originally published as Tevita Panga Jr considering choosing NSW Blues over Tonga