Andrew Fifita is proud of his decision to choose Tonga over NSW this weekend – but also declared he would happily help Brad Fittler and the Blues should they lose and be forced to play at Suncorp Stadium with the series on the line.
The Blues will have some tough decisions to make about Fifita if Queensland fights back and level the Origin series on Sunday night.
Rugby league's rules have allowed Fifita to play for Tonga against Samoa at a packed Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday night, but still be free for NSW selection come game three on July 11.
Representing: Andrew Fifita (right) and Konrad Hurrell Pacific Test fan day at Campbelltown Athletics track on Wednesday.
Photo: Gregg Porteous
Fifita told Fairfax Media on Wednesday night there would be plenty of people who would not agree with his one-game cameo, but "it's always an option".
Queensland did as much in 2001 when Allan Langer was sent an SOS from England to help the Maroons triumph.
Advertisement
"My hand will be up, no matter what,'' Fifita said. "I always said game two was off because of where I am now with Tonga. I have every faith NSW will get the job done. I have a job to do here [with Tonga]. If I [go back] and do my job at club level, anything is possible. It's up them in the long run."
Reagan Campbell-Gillard is already ruled out of the remainder of the series for NSW with a broken jaw, and Ryan James would be the next front-rower to be called up if there was an injury.
Trent Merrin and Aaron Woods are also options to Fittler in the event of further front-row injuries.
Fifita, however, is in a class of his own when he gets in a mood, which he will be in when he teams up with Jason Taumalolo, Will Hopoate and their other Tongan mates in Sydney's south west.
One person Fifita was delighted for was Cronulla teammate Matt Prior, who will make his Origin debut. Fifita went so far as to say the 31-year-old Prior was "the best defender in the NRL".
"He's a bit older than the other boys in there but he won't let anyone down," Fifita said. "For someone to lead their pack, it will be Matty, especially in defence. It's a massive achievement for him. He knows about the big stage and he won't feel the nerves."
Proud: Fifita will line up for Tonga but still be ready for the Blues in game 3.
Photo: Gregg Porteous
Fifita gave up $30,000 in earnings and a crowd north of 80,000 for one Origin match to play in a Pacific Test for chump change and an audience of 18,000.
But such is the popularity of Tonga, who charged all the way into the semi-finals of the World Cup last year, Fifita hopes it will help make an end-of-season Test against Australia become a reality.
It is the one international game that would truly excite rugby league fans.
Should the Test be rubber-stamped, Fifita said he would put his hand up to lead the emotional pre-match Sipi Tau, which Taumalolo led against New Zealand in their Cup upset last year, and Siliva Havili will conduct at Campbelltown.
"We're pushing for that game to happen, it's just a matter of finding a venue and if we get everyone on board with it, it's game everyone wants to see," Fifita said. "I have no regrets at all about Tonga. My heart is with Tonga. And the pinnacle of our game is to represent your country."
Christian covers rugby league for The Sydney Morning Herald.
Most Viewed in Sport
Morning & Afternoon Newsletter
Delivered Mon–Fri.
