Andrew Fifita hasn't given up on his dream of winning a State of Origin series despite choosing Tonga over NSW.
Fifita's chances of being selected for the Blues this year remain muddied with conflicting messages coming from NSWRL hierarchy over the last several days.
AAP had been told that a black line had been ruled through Fifita's name by NSWRL hierarchy after the Cronulla prop elected to turn out for Tonga against Samoa for the Pacific Test on June 23.
His allegiance to Tonga will make him unavailable for State of Origin one, with NSW officials placing a big emphasis on loyalty.
However, Blues advisor Greg Alexander seemingly left the door open for Origin II, claiming Fifita's form was "worth thinking about".
While coach Brad Fittler earlier this year ruled out selecting him, injuries could force him to change his mind.
This is despite the fact the Blues have a long list of prop options including David Klemmer, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Paul Vaughan, Aaron Woods, Shannon Boyd and Trent Merrin.
"If my form stays the way it is, it's up to them," Fifita said after the Sharks' 22-16 win over Canterbury on Sunday.
"It is what it is. My job is to keep getting the wins for the Sharks and start heading in the right direction towards that goal and be in the semi-finals."
Fifita has been in near career-best form over the last month as he stepped up to the plate in the injury-enforced absence of his fellow senior forwards.
He topped 140 metres in each of his last four matches and carved out 171 metres against the Bulldogs on Sunday.
It still sticks in his craw that he has never won an Origin series – after missing the Blues' 2014 victory through injury.
After being part of Cronulla's 2016 NRL premiership win and Australia's 2013 World Cup final, it remains the only item left on his bucket list.
"I'm thrilled to have that talk around me," Fifita said.
"But at the moment I'm just trying to get the win for Cronulla.
"I've had that captaincy role over the last few weeks. But Gal is back now. Captaining is easy."
Australian Associated Press
Andrew Fifita hasn't given up on his dream of winning a State of Origin series despite choosing Tonga over NSW.
Fifita's chances of being selected for the Blues this year remain muddied with conflicting messages coming from NSWRL hierarchy over the last several days.
AAP had been told that a black line had been ruled through Fifita's name by NSWRL hierarchy after the Cronulla prop elected to turn out for Tonga against Samoa for the Pacific Test on June 23.
His allegiance to Tonga will make him unavailable for State of Origin one, with NSW officials placing a big emphasis on loyalty.
However, Blues advisor Greg Alexander seemingly left the door open for Origin II, claiming Fifita's form was "worth thinking about".
While coach Brad Fittler earlier this year ruled out selecting him, injuries could force him to change his mind.
This is despite the fact the Blues have a long list of prop options including David Klemmer, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Paul Vaughan, Aaron Woods, Shannon Boyd and Trent Merrin.
"If my form stays the way it is, it's up to them," Fifita said after the Sharks' 22-16 win over Canterbury on Sunday.
"It is what it is. My job is to keep getting the wins for the Sharks and start heading in the right direction towards that goal and be in the semi-finals."
Fifita has been in near career-best form over the last month as he stepped up to the plate in the injury-enforced absence of his fellow senior forwards.
He topped 140 metres in each of his last four matches and carved out 171 metres against the Bulldogs on Sunday.
It still sticks in his craw that he has never won an Origin series – after missing the Blues' 2014 victory through injury.
After being part of Cronulla's 2016 NRL premiership win and Australia's 2013 World Cup final, it remains the only item left on his bucket list.
"I'm thrilled to have that talk around me," Fifita said.
"But at the moment I'm just trying to get the win for Cronulla.
"I've had that captaincy role over the last few weeks. But Gal is back now. Captaining is easy."
Australian Associated Press
