Powerhouse Sharks prop Addin Fonua-Blake declares he is ‘100 per cent NSW’ and dreams of partnering with Payne Haas in State of Origin following the NRL’s new eligibility rules.
New NRL Eligibility Opens Doors for Kiwi and English Stars
The NRL recently updated its rules, allowing players from New Zealand or England—who were born in or played junior football in New South Wales or Queensland before age 13—to represent those states in State of Origin. Previously, representation for tier-one nations like New Zealand or England barred such players.
Fonua-Blake, who honed his skills with the Mascot Jets in NSW juniors, became ineligible after one Test for New Zealand against Scotland in the 2017 World Cup. Now cleared, the Sydney-born forward eyes a Blues debut.
Fonua-Blake’s Blues Ambition
‘Big rivalries like that (Origin), it’s something in sport people love and to be a part of it would be a great feeling,’ Fonua-Blake said. He has watched recent series from home, feeling a pang of jealousy despite his NSW roots.
The front-rower plans to continue Tests for Tonga but envisions lining up with Haas for Origin I in Sydney on May 27. ‘Payne’s a generational talent. No doubt when he’s finished up, he’ll probably be an Immortal of the game,’ Fonua-Blake stated. ‘To have the chance to play alongside him, that’s something that would be pretty special.’
Nikora Targets Maroons Jersey
Sharks back-rower Briton Nikora, who relocated from New Zealand to the Gold Coast at age nine and attended Keebra Park State High School, now qualifies for Queensland.
‘If it comes, I won’t back down from that arena. I’ll be keen and if he (Billy Slater) wanted to have a chat with me… I’d put my hand up for it straight away,’ Nikora declared. He predicts Fonua-Blake pairs seamlessly with Haas: ‘Him and Payne Haas lining up together… you never thought you’d see it.’
Other Newly Eligible Players
The changes also unlock opportunities for Penrith’s Casey McLean, Roosters lock Victor Radley—who was born in Sydney but represented England—and others.
Mixed Reactions to Rule Shift
Broncos lock Pat Carrigan supports the updates. However, former Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga cautions that Australia’s national team could suffer. Some fans voice concerns online, calling Origin a potential ‘circus’ or diluted into an ‘All-Star game’ rather than a true NSW-Queensland clash.
