New South Wales Blues prop Addin Fonua-Blake has committed to making a significant impact from the interchange bench after losing his starting front-row position to Payne Haas for Game II of the State of Origin series. The match is set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday night.

Fonua-Blake, who started in the front row during the opening match, acknowledged Haas’s claim to the starting spot, describing it as well deserved. “For Payne, that’s his spot,” Fonua-Blake said. “I’m totally sweet with it. Whatever the team needs, that’s the mentality I have. My job will be to bring impact and that’s what I will do.”

The Sharks prop, known for his toughness in the forward pack, reflected on the challenges faced during Game I, particularly in the opening minutes where the Blues struggled to maintain possession. He described the first 20 minutes as a period dominated by defensive work. “Leading into game one, I had some chats with [former NSW forward and Cronulla coach] Craig Fitzgibbon about what to expect and the pace of the game,” Fonua-Blake explained. “You can hear all about it, but nothing can get you ready for it, especially the way the first 20 minutes went in that first game. I feel like it was just tackle practice in that first 20 minutes. We obviously didn’t execute for the first 20 and we got what we deserved.”

Fonua-Blake’s rise to the Origin arena has been marked by some challenges, including his mid-season club change. The forward requested a release from the New Zealand Warriors in 2024 to join Cronulla Sharks. Reflecting on his career path, he said, “The journey I have lived is my journey and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I reckon it’s moulded me into the person I am today.” He also highlighted the positive impact of returning to play closer to home. “Being back home with my family has been the best. It’s been a breath of fresh air for me. Coming out in game one, that is probably the most packed game I’ve ever played in front of.”

Fonua-Blake’s willingness to adapt to a new role on the bench and his determination to help the Blues overturn the series lead held by Queensland underscores the team’s intent ahead of Wednesday’s crucial clash at the MCG.