LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a bold move that has raised eyebrows across the rugby league world, Des Hasler, a true blue NSW supporter at heart, has thrown his two cents in for Billy Slater to pick David Fifita for the upcoming State of Origin decider.
Despite being a die-hard Blues fan, Hasler believes that the raw power and skill that Fifita brings to the field is exactly what the Maroons need to turn the tide in their favor.
Fifita's absence from the Maroons' squad for Game 1 left many scratching their heads, especially considering his stellar performances as an edge forward this season and his contributions to Queensland's series win last year.
With Nanai and Su'a getting the nod over him in the opener, and his subsequent omission from Game 2 after NSW's dominant display, it became clear that something had to change heading into the crucial decider.
As Fifita gears up to face off against the Sharks on Friday night, all eyes will be on him to deliver a standout performance that could see him back in the Queensland jersey for the series finale in Brisbane on July 17.
Hasler, drawing on his own experience from his 12 Origin appearances for NSW, believes that Fifita's all-round game and X-factor could be just what the Maroons need to tip the scales in their favor.
"It's crunch time, mate.
This is where legends are made," Hasler remarked.
"Fifita brings something special to the table, and in a game as big as this, you need players who can rise to the occasion.
It's time for Slater to make the call and unleash the beast that is David Fifita."