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Gus calls for star's Origin debut

Gus calls for star's Origin debut

Gus calls for star's Origin debut
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Fonua-Blake backs Origin eligibility rules, even though they cost him
Fonua-Blake backs Origin eligibility rules, even though they cost him

Sydney Morning Herald

time15 hours ago

  • Sydney Morning Herald

Fonua-Blake backs Origin eligibility rules, even though they cost him

Cronulla enforcer Addin Fonua-Blake admits he is 'jealous' of players chosen for State of Origin but has unselfishly declared the rules that have rendered him ineligible for interstate rugby league should remain as they are. Fonua-Blake was born in Sydney and played his junior football with Mascot Jets but effectively ruled himself out of Origin contention in 2017, when he accepted a position in New Zealand's World Cup squad. He made a lone Test appearance for the Kiwis at that tournament, coming off the bench in a 74-6 demolition of Scotland, and has since switched his allegiance to Tonga, whom he captained at the Pacific Championships last year. If not for his brief association with New Zealand – a tier-one nation – Fonua-Blake would in all likelihood have represented the NSW Blues and quite possibly established himself as an Origin regular. There has been growing debate this season surrounding the eligibility rules, which impact a handful of players – including Victor Radley, Kalyn Ponga, AJ Brimson and Fonua-Blake – all of whom are dual-qualified at international level. But while many believe the current Origin rules are outdated, Fonua-Blake has no problem with them and accepts he is unlikely to ever pull on a NSW jersey. 'If it happens, it happens,' he said. 'I reckon they should just keep the rules the same.

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