“I coached him when he was younger, he was a gun coming through, we used to have camps where a heap of kids would come in. I always remembered his goal-kicking style – he was a goal-kicking centre who looked like a front-rower.”
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Bulldogs enforcer Tevita Pangai jnr was overlooked for NSW when he declared he wanted to snub NSW for Tonga, only to later backlfip. Under the game’s eligibility rules, players can play Origin and for the Pacific nations.
Pangai welcomed Fittler’s decision to consider Talakai, even if it meant potentially bailing on the Blues for the second game. By doing so, Talakai would also surrender more than $10,000 in match payments – Tongans receive around $1500 a Test, compared to the $15,000 Origin loot.
“That’s big from Freddy. I came out early and said I wanted to play for Tonga, then changed my mind again. If Sifa wants to play for NSW and Tonga, there’s no reason he can’t,” Pangai said.
“I’ve said some dumb things about Origin. Hopefully these younger players can learn from my mistakes and be strong and say they want to play Origin.
Talakai, Penrith’s Stephen Crichton, Staggs, Canberra’s Jack Wighton and South Sydney’s Campbell Graham are in the mix for the injured Latrell Mitchell’s centre spot.
Origin leave pass: Why Fittler happy to bend rules for Talakai
Source: Philippines Alive
