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NSW received a boost before the 2019 State of Origin series with talented striker Tevita Pangai Jnr who chose the Blues on Tonga.
The 22-year-old was recently named to NSW's 32-man training squad, Brad Fittler's coach, who will meet at NSWRL's center of excellence in Sydney in December.
Pangai Jnr is eligible for the Blues and Tonga because the Mate Ma'a are still ranked as second tier rugby league country.
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But Fittler has now revealed that Pangai Jnr was made available for the Origin series.
"He's joining the Blues for the series," said Fittler. Cbad 9.
"He understands that there is a match for the Tonga test in the middle of this and he is happy not to participate.
"He will have the opportunity to play for Tonga at the end of the year.
"He recognizes where he comes from. He grew up in Newcastle.
"He is a very good player. Young child He again did a fantastic job for Tonga.
"I can not wait to see him come down and meet all the players. He will put a lot of pressure on the team. "
Some have blamed Fittler for selecting Matt Lodge, Brisbane's controversial attacker, on his Emerging Blues team.
The coach admitted that he barely knew Lodge apart from his well-publicized speech on New York in 2015, but that he was eager to learn more about him.
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"I've never known Matt in October 2015, I've never met Matt since," Fittler said.
"I do not know much about him.
"What he did for Brisbane this year, he did it under a lot of pressure and minutiae. I thought he was doing a very good job.
"Nobody can change what happened in the past, but again, I just want to involve it and get to know the guy."
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Although Penrith duo Nathan Cleary and James Maloney led NSW to a winning streak this year, former Blues halfback Mitchell Pearce was named to the expanded practice team.
"The big problem was that Nathan had been operated out of season, just like James Maloney," said Fittler.
"Injuries play an important role. So you obviously need staff in case.
"Mitchell had a fantastic season (this year), with one injury, but that's someone who was there before. His record was not fantastic, but I know he is very capable. "
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