NSW adviser Greg Alexander has hinted State of Origin selectors are considering picking Andrew Fifita despite his Test commitments with Tonga clashing with game two.
Fifita all but ruled himself out of Origin contention in March when he declared his preference to play with Tonga during this year’s representative period.
But the Cronulla prop jokingly teased Blues selectors last weekend, suggesting he’d be available “if they let me play (games) one and three”.
Asked on Friday morning whether Alexander would recommend NSW coach Brad Fittler select him, he said “yes”.
“Andrew Fifita hasn’t really been in discussions because of the decision he made to play with Tonga … and I thought ‘he’s made up his mind’,” Alexander told Macquarie Sports Radio Breakfast.
“It wasn’t until a couple of weeks ago that Andrew was still keen on playing for NSW, and his form’s been great.
“I don’t know what will happen in terms of Andrew Fifita but I think we could do worse things than have him in the side.”
Alexander described Fifita as the NRL’s best front-rower this season.
“I’ve chatted to Freddy about Andrew Fifita and I think we’ve seen him grow up in the last couple of months because he’s had to play without Paul Gallen and Wade Graham and Luke Lewis, and he’s really taken on that responsibility.
“He’s the best front rower in the game at the moment so where we go from there, we’ll see.”