Powerhouse props ready to combine under new Origin eligibility rules

Reigning Dally M Props of the Year Addin Fonua-Blake and Payne Haas could link up in the front row for NSW under new State of Origin eligibility rules unveiled on Monday. 

Fonua-Blake grew up in Mascot and currently captains Tonga but was previously unable to represent his state because he played one Test for New Zealand at the 2017 World Cup. 

The changes announced on Monday will clear the path for the Sharks prop to wear a Blues jumper for the first time.

NSW could be the biggest winners from the changes if Fonua-Blake and Haas link up for the series opener at Accor Stadium, given the pair are the two best props in the game and were named in the front row in last year's Dally M Team of the Year alongside Cronulla hooker Blayke Brailey. 

While he's yet to hear from Blues coach Laurie Daley, Fonua-Blake is excited by the prospect of forming a dominant one-two punch with Haas.

"It would be pretty special," Fonua-Blake said. "Payne's a generational talent and when he's finished up he'll probably be an Immortal of the game. If I get the chance to play alongside him it would be pretty special. 

"You want to play either against or alongside the greatest in the game and I put him in that regard. He's a beast and if I do get the chance to rub shoulders or lace up the boots with him, then I'm going to take a lot of notes off him and it would be pretty special."

Growing up a Blues fan in Sydney, State of Origin games were must-watch television for Fonua-Blake. 

As the prop got older, he began to appreciate the physicality and brutality of Origin and dreamt of what it would be like to play in that arena.

The eligibility changes will now allow Fonua-Blake that opportunity if he can earn a Blues debut.

"It's the sort of game I fell in love with," Fonua-Blake said. "Just the brutality of it and the referees putting the whistle away a little bit. 

"Big rivalries like that, it's something in sport that people love. Being a part of that would be a great feeling. 

"I used to love watching it when I was younger, everyone just went at each other. If I'm lucky enough to get a call, then I'll be doing my best to try and do a similar job for my state."