Addin Fonua-Blake, the Sydney-born rugby league prop, has expressed a strong desire to represent the NSW Blues if eligibility rules were to change. Having previously played for New Zealand during the 2017 World Cup, he currently faces restrictions preventing him from playing for NSW, despite his association with Tonga since that year. Fonua-Blake, who started his football journey with the Mascot Jets, stated in an interview with 2GB’s Wide World of Sports that he would eagerly accept an offer to don a State of Origin jersey.
He remarked, "I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t mind having a run in that arena," emphasising that if the rules alter and he proves himself worthy, he would definitely embrace the opportunity. Fonua-Blake acknowledged the significance of the State of Origin, calling it the pinnacle of the game, and expressed an interest in testing his capabilities at that level.
Interestingly, he had previously indicated that the current eligibility protocols should remain in place, arguing that changing them could jeopardise opportunities for players who were born in Queensland and NSW. "It’s better off they just leave the rules the same… the young kids that were born in Queensland and NSW represent Queensland and NSW," he said.
The discussions also revolved around Brad Fittler’s previous selection of Fonua-Blake for the City side in 2016. Fittler noted that a scheduling conflict between the City and New Zealand medical assessments led to a decision that ultimately ruled Fonua-Blake out for the City selection due to his prior commitments to the under-20s New Zealand team.
In summary, while Fonua-Blake holds aspirations for State of Origin participation, he understands and respects the existing eligibility criteria and the reasons behind them. His journey reflects the complexities many players navigate in representing their heritage and regions in the dynamic landscape of rugby league.