The 2026 NRL Pre-season series is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with two stars of the game, Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora, publicly expressing their desire to compete in the State of Origin arena. But here's where it gets controversial... despite representing different nations, both players are now eligible to put their hand up for Origin selection, opening the door for a new era of competition.
Addin Fonua-Blake, who represents Tonga, played for New Zealand in 2017, making him ineligible for Origin until now. Despite spending his early years in Brisbane, Fonua-Blake is now committed to NSW, having moved to Sydney at the age of five. He's eager to experience the brutal and legendary rivalries of the State of Origin, and is ready to work hard to make the team.
"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."
Similarly, Briton Nikora, who moved to the Gold Coast from New Zealand at the age of nine, is bursting to experience the Origin arena. "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."
But the question remains: who will make the team? With both players expressing their desire to compete, it's a challenge for coaches to select the right players. And this is the part most people miss... the selection process is not just about talent, but also about strategy and team dynamics. It's a delicate balance that could spark differing opinions and thought-provoking discussions among fans and experts alike. So, what do you think? Who should make the team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
