Fifita free to play for NSW

Sharks prop Andrew Fifita has made himself available to play for New South Wales in games one and three of this year's Origin series.

It was assumed that Fifita did not wish to play for the Blues this year after electing to represent Tnga in the Pacific Test. The Test against Samoa will be played just 24 hours prior to NSW' game two clash with Queensland in Sydney.

The eligibility rules will permit Fifita to to play in the games at the MCG on June 6 and Suncorp Stadium on July 11, assuming the Blues pick him.

Tonga are a tier-two nation, which means that players can also play for tier-one nations such as England, New Zealand and Australia. They are also eligible to play for NWS or Queensland.

Blues coach Brad Fittler now has a decision to make on whether or not he will pick a player who prioritised playing with Tonga.

Fifita was hopeful of a return to the NSW Origin side following Cronulla's win over Canberra.

“If they let me play [game] one and three," Fifita told reporters.

Blues great Jason Stevens told Fairfax Media that NSW should install the powerhouse into their lineup, even if it is for only two games.

"I'd pick him, 100 per cent, I'd have him in there in a heartbeat,'' Stevens said.

"He's the best prop in the game, and I think he has been for a while. Every time he carries the ball he needs three forwards to bring him down.

"He's got the agility of a winger, can pass before or through the line and has got that speed when playing the ball.''

Former Maroons big bopper Sam Backo agreed that the Blues should consider picking Fifita.

"Front-rowers take time to mature. He's starting to mature. He's a big strapping lad who always looks awkward on the field, but he's strong and plays well," Backo told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Conversely, former NSW hitman Mark Geyer did not thik Fifita justified selection if he is not available for all three games.

"If you're in, you're in, and if you're out, you're out, otherewise you're taking a spot off someone like Campbell-Gillard or [Trent] Merrin, Paul Vaughan or Jack de Belin,'' Geyer told www.smh.com.au. 

"No one player is bigger than the game."