Maroons berth push for big man

Tallis says Titan up to task

Queensland legend Gorden Tallis has called for David Fifita to be picked for Origin I as the Titans’ $1m man looks to terrorise Brisbane in Saturday night’s derby blockbuster at Cbus Super Stadium.

A fitter, leaner and meaner Fifita has surged back into form this season and he can submit an irresistible case for a Maroons recall with a barnstorming display against the Broncos club he controversially quit.

Since his move to the Titans in 2021, Fifita has endured a rollercoaster ride and he was overlooked by Queensland coach Billy Slater last season as Gold Coast’s highest-paid player crashed to the interchange bench.

But, buoyed by a punishing pre-season, Fifita has started 2023 with the consistency to match his forward ferocity, convincing former Maroons captain Tallis that the 110kg Tongan torpedo is ready for an Origin comeback.

“If he keeps on playing the way he is playing, there is a spot for Dave in the Queensland team, absolutely,” said Tallis, the Titans ambassador who played 17 Origin matches for Queensland.

“If you have (Felise) Kaufusi, (Pat) Carrigan and (Reuben) Cotter doing the hard yards, there is no doubt Dave should be there adding the other side of things (for the Maroons).

“Dave is a once-in-a-generation forward and what he brings to a team only Dave can bring.

“Kieran Foran (Titans fiveeighth recruit) has been great for Dave and if he gets a clear run and they get a combination going, Fifita will be unstoppable.”

While Fifita has yet to score a try for the Titans this season, the 23-year-old has been a dangerous presence on Gold Coast’s left edge.

The former Bronco has supplemented his three try assists with 27 tackle busts and is averaging a whopping 161 running metres to show signs of the rampaging form that won Fifita an Origin debut in 2019.

Fifita will wage an enthralling battle with his Broncos back-row successor Jordan Riki and Titans coach Justin Holbrook believes he has earned a Maroons jumper for the Origin series opener in Adelaide on May 31.

“I hope Billy (Slater) is watching Dave closely and has him in the mix,” Holbrook said.

“I definitely think they should look at Dave for Origin.

“I hope Queensland consider him, it’s a different Dave Fifita this year and everyone is seeing it.

“His workrate is exactly what’s needed. He deserves an opportunity to play Origin.”