‘I’m all in’: Fonua-Blake embraces Origin dream alongside Koula debut

Two Tongan-heritage players are set to take centre stage in State of Origin, with Addin Fonua-Blake and Tolu Koula named to make their New South Wales debuts in Game One tonight.

The pair bring different journeys into the Origin arena but both arrive at a time when eligibility changes have opened the door for players to represent Tier two nations and an Origin state.

For experienced prop Fonua-Blake, the call-up has been years in the making, and comes after conversations with NSW head coach Laurie Daley on 9News focused on mindset as much as form.

"We had a little convo leading up to the selection, and he [Daley] just made it clear to me, you know, is this right for me?...

"And I told him, 'Yeah, 100 per cent, I'm all in'. I want to wear the jersey and I want to do it proud,” Fonua-Blake said.

Fonua-Blake, who has previously represented New Zealand and Tonga at the international level, says Origin has long been something he has watched closely.

Addin Fonua-Blake will start at prop for New South Wales in Game One. Photo/Joshua Devenie/Photosport

“Watching the game over the years you get a bit envious of the build-up and all the accolades that come with wearing this jumper… I know how physical the game is and I’m up for it…

"I’m just grateful that I’m here now and I want to put my best foot forward.”

Fonua-Blake is expected to play a key role. stepping in the absence of Penrith prop Payne Haas, who has been ruled out of Game One with a knee injury.

Koula ready for the challenge

For Manly Sea Eagles centre Koula, this week marks a different kind of debut with the 23-year-old named in the NSW side despite limited experience in the role at NRL level.

Koula has only played at centre and fullback for the fourth-placed Sea Eagles, but says he is ready for the challenge on the wing, alongside veteran Brian To'o.

"It's not too different from centre. I'm not too fazed about it," Koula told Canberra Times. “Just a few more yardage carries and having to defuse bombs and stuff. Probably a bit less tackling… there are different things but, at the same time, it is a bit the same as well… I'm just grateful to play anywhere that's needed."

Fonua-Blake and Koula’s Origin debuts also add to the growing presence of Pasifika talent on rugby league’s biggest stage, with both NSW and Queensland sides featuring strong Pacific representation.

Other NSW players with Pacific heritage include centres Stephen Crichton and Kotoni Staggs, second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu, and experienced campaigner Jacob Saifiti.

The Queensland Maroons also have a strong Pacific presence, with four of their starting 13 carrying Pasifika heritage.

The Sydney Roosters’ Robert Toia, Redcliffe Dolphins’ Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, debutant Jojo Fifita in the centres, and Gold Coast Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui have all been named in head coach Billy Slater’s side.

Kick-off: Accor Stadium, Sydney, 10.05pm (NZT)

Teams:

New South Wales: James Tedesco, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Kotoni Staggs, Tolu Koula, Ethan Strange, Nathan Cleary, Addin Fonua-Blake, Reece Robson, Mitch Barnett, Hudson Young, Haumole Olakau'atu, Isaah Yeo, Bench: Cameron Murray, Victor Radley, Jacob Saifiti, Blayke Brailey, Casey McLean, Matt Burton

Queensland: Kalyn Ponga, Selwyn Cobbo, Robert Toia, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jojo Fifita, Cameron Munster, Sam Walker, Thomas Flegler, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Reuben Cotter, Kurt Capewell, Max Plath, Bench: Briton Nikora, Lindsay Collins, Pat Carrigan, Trent Loiero, Ezra Mam, Gehamat Shibasaki.