NSW have received a huge boost ahead of the 2019 State of Origin series with talented forward Tevita Pangai Jnr choosing the Blues over Tonga.

The 22-year-old was recently named in coach Brad Fittler’s 32-man NSW training squad which will meet at the NSWRL’s Centre of Excellence in Sydney in December.

Pangai Jnr is eligible for both the Blues and Tonga because the Mate Ma’a are still classified as a second-tier rugby league nation.

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But Fittler has now revealed Pangai Jnr has made himself available for the Origin series.

“He’s committing to the Blues for the series,” Fittler told Channel 9.

“He understands there’s a Tongan Test match in the middle of that and he’s happy to walk away from that.

“He’ll get the opportunity to play for Tonga at the end of the year.

“He recognises where he’s from. He grew up in Newcastle.

“He’s a really good player. Young kid. He did a fantastic job for Tonga again.

“I look forward to seeing him come down and meet all the players. He’ll put a lot of pressure on the team.”

Tevita Pangai Junior has chosen the Blues over Tonga. Picture: Alix Sweeney Source: News Corp Australia

Some have criticised Fittler for selecting controversial Brisbane forward Matt Lodge in his Emerging Blues squad.

The coach admitted he barely knew Lodge aside from his well publicised New York rampage in 2015, but was looking forward to learning more about him.

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“I never knew Matt in October 2015, I’ve never met Matt since,” Fittler said.

“I don’t know much about him.

“What he did for Brisbane this year he did under a lot of pressure and a lot of scrutiny. I thought he did a pretty good job.

“No one can change what happened in the past, but once again, I just want to get him involved and get to know the bloke.”

Despite Penrith duo Nathan Cleary and James Maloney guiding NSW to a series win this year, former Blues halfback Mitchell Pearce was another named in the extending training squad.

“The big thing was Nathan had an operation in the off-season, so did James Maloney,” Fittler said.

“Injuries play a big part, so you obviously need people there just in case.

“Mitchell had a fantastic season (this) year, played with injury, but he’s someone who’s been there before. His record hasn’t shown to be fantastic, but I know he’s very capable.”