NSW coach Brad Fittler says Tevita Pangai Junior can intimidate Queensland

Tevita Pangai Junior was a shock pick for a State of Origin debut, but NSW coach Brad Fittler says there’s a big reason he received the call.

Tevita Pangai Junior’s discipline has been a major issue in years gone by, but Blues coach Brad Fittler is confident the State of Origin rookie can harness his aggression and use it to intimidate his Queensland rivals. Picture: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

Tevita Pangai Junior’s discipline has been a major issue in years gone by, but Blues coach Brad Fittler is confident the State of Origin rookie can harness his aggression and use it to intimidate his Queensland rivals.

The Bulldogs enforcer was one of the most surprising selections for the series opener in Adelaide next week after workhorse Jake Trbojevic ruled himself out due to a calf injury.

The pair couldn’t be any different in style, but while Pangai lacks Trbojevic’s ability to play big minutes, he has the strength and aggression to cause Queensland plenty of headaches as long as he stays on the field.

Pangai has been sent to the sin bin four times in his career and is no stranger to the match review committee, but he’s only conceded one penalty in 2023 and is coming off a season-high 197m in 57 minutes.

Tevita Pangai Junior has earned a NSW call-up. Picture: Brendon Thorne / Getty Images

The 27-year-old will start in game one, with Junior Paulo named on the bench, and it’s expected he’ll be told to let loose, with his teammates capable of punching out big minutes.

It’s imperative, however, he doesn’t do any punching in a game which could be decided by a penalty or someone spending 10 minutes off the field.

“Teams are intimidated by him,” Fittler said.

“I think at times that he hasn’t handled that too well, but I’ve always liked him.

“He’s super-talented and it’s a matter of him getting to that next level of control and showing leadership. When I’ve spoken to people at Canterbury, they say he’s a great trainer and he prepares excellently.

“If it’s a risk, then let’s gamble.

“Everyone understands now with sin bins that the red line is a dangerous place to go. There are teams that do it very well and others that are happy to flirt with that line.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to send him out there because it’s a pretty physical game and it’s as tough as it gets. You hope everything goes right and they handle those moments when the red line appears.”

The Tongan international has been on the cusp of selection in the past and has been part of the Emerging Blues squad on the back of some strong performances, including a one-man takedown of Jason Taumalolo a few years ago.

Brad Fittler is Blues camp at Crown Plaza Coogee on Monday. Picture: Justin Lloyd

But he’s now got to take that potential and turn it into something special against a Maroons side which will target him and try to get under his skin.

“I’ve always liked Tevita,” Fittler said.

“There are things in the past that haven’t gone to plan, but at the end of the day, I like what he’s done at Canterbury. I like the way Canterbury play. They haven’t got the best side, but they don’t give up, and he’s a part of that.

“I look forward to getting to know him. He came down to an emerging camp a few years ago, and now I’m looking forward to getting to know him. I’ve always thought he’s very talented, and I think we’ve all seen that.

“I’ve seen that next step where he shows a bit more control with everything he does at Canterbury, where he’s having more of an impact.”

Stefano Utoikamanu and Tevita Pangai Junior of the Blues. Picture: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

It’s unclear whether Pangai would have been in the team had Trbojevic been fit, with the veteran forward in the mix to reclaim his spot if he recovers from the calf injury he aggravated in the win over Canberra.

“That was an interesting one that he didn’t finish the game,” Fittler said.

“The dialogue between Manly and ourselves meant I wasn’t willing to risk an injury that saw him be out for three weeks. Talking to Jake, it’s a very tough conversation because he always wants to play.

“Hopefully he gets better and is back on the field soon.”

Originally published as NSW coach Brad Fittler says Tevita Pangai Junior can intimidate Queensland