Brad Fittler starts rep war by naming Tevita Pangai Jr in NSW squad
NSW coach Brad Fittler has started a tug-of-war with Tonga after naming Broncos powerhouse Tevita Pangai Jr in an extended Blues squad for next year’s Origin series. FULL SQUAD HERE
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NSW coach Brad Fittler has ignited a representative tug-of-war with Tonga after naming Broncos powerhouse Tevita Pangai Jr in an extended Blues squad for next year’s State of Origin series.
Pangai Jr was on Friday named in NSW’s 32-man squad for a camp in Sydney on December 14 - just four weeks after the Broncos forward turned out for Tonga in their historic Test against Australia.
As revealed by The Courier-Mail last month, Pangai Jr is considering giving up his Tongan jumper, admitting he may have rushed his decision to rule himself out of NSW Origin selection in March.
Under 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.
Now the situation for Pangai Jr is real, with Fittler dangling the Origin carrot by including the 113kg wrecking ball alongside Broncos teammates Jack Bird and James Roberts in his extended Blues squad.
“For most of them it will be the first time we’ve seen them since after the (2018) series,” Fittler said.
“It puts a full-stop on finalising the year and getting their feedback from this year’s series, and also allows us an opportunity to look ahead for our defence of the (Origin) shield in 2019.
“It’s always beneficial to get them to spend time together. We won’t be training but having them around each other will only further strengthen the bond they formed this year.”
The 22-year-old, who has been holidaying in America for the past month, recently told The Courier-Mail he is 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 have played for NSW at junior level ... but I don’t know what it’s like to put on that Origin jersey.”
Pangai Jr says a candid chat with Fittler has given him food for thought.
“’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.
“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.”
NSW BLUES EXTENDED TRAINING SQUAD
Jack Bird (Brisbane Broncos)
Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Penrith Panthers)
Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne Storm)
Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Nick Cotric (Canberra Raiders)
Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters)
Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters)
Jack De Belin (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Dale Finucane (Melbourne Storm)
Blake Ferguson (Parramatta Eels)
Tyson Frizell (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Wade Graham (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Ryan James (Gold Coast Titans)
Josh Jackson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Luke Keary (Sydney Roosters)
David Klemmer (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
James Maloney (Penrith Panthers)
Jordan McLean (North Queensland Cowboys)
Latrell Mitchell (Sydney Roosters)
Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Tyrone Peachey (Gold Coast Titans)
Mitchell Pearce (Newcastle Knights)
Tevita Pangai Junior (Brisbane Broncos)
Matt Prior (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
James Roberts (Brisbane Broncos)
Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra Dragons)
James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)
Jake Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Tom Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Paul Vaughan (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Aaron Woods (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
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Originally published as Brad Fittler starts rep war by naming Tevita Pangai Jr in NSW squad
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