State of Origin may be considered the pinnacle but New Zealand international Kodi Nikorima believes Brisbane NRL teammate Tevita Pangai's decision to brush NSW for Tonga shows the international game may soon rival it.
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Nikorima applauded Pangai's surprise call to ignore overtures from Brad Fittler's Blues and pledge his allegiance to Tonga this year after savouring a successful 2017 Rugby League World Cup campaign with the Mate Ma'a.
Broncos prop Pangai was named in the 2018 Emerging Blues squad and enjoyed a strong NRL season start including a barnstorming display in their stirring last round win over North Queensland.
However, Pangai has quickly scotched any plans for Fittler to beef up NSW's front row after opting to stick with Tonga, which plays a Pacific Test against Samoa in June in a direct clash with Origin II.
Kiwi playmaker Nikorima hoped it was a sign of things to come after the goodwill created by the 2017 World Cup.
"They always say Origin is the pinnacle but I think now international sport is growing you will see that change," he said.
"For me it was a pretty easy (decision to pledge allegiance to Kiwis) - my heart and soul is with New Zealand and growing up I always supported them.
"It was easy to choose my allegiance. No doubt it was the same for Tevita.
"But it can be hard for blokes who are eligible (for both Origin and second tier countries) - hopefully this can help change that."
The likes of Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita turned the World Cup on its head when they pledged their allegiance to Tonga last year.
But Nikorima hoped Pangai's bold call to stick with Tonga in 2018 despite a limited representative schedule persuaded others to follow suit.
Fifita is yet to decide whether he will stick with Tonga this year or again put his hand up for the Blues.
Pangai helped Tonga earn a shock 2017 World Cup semi-final appearance after being taken under the wing of Fifita and Taumalolo.
"I think we have seen over the years what a talent Tevita is," Nikorima said.
"What he has changed is being more consistent and doing things off the ball that you don't usually see - his line speed, his defensive work, it's second to none at the moment."
Pangai stood up to help Brisbane bounce back from a horror NRL season opening loss to St George Illawarra with a stirring round two triumph over arch rivals North Queensland last week.
Australian Associated Press
