Tevita Pangai Junior definitely in NSW Blues frame: Boyd Cordner
The first time Boyd Cordner met Tevita Pangai Junior was at a NSW State of Origin camp for their extended squad last December.
"He's a good kid, but hell of a talent," Cordner told AAP.
The fleeting introduction was enough for Blues captain Cordner to keep close tabs on the Origin hopeful, and admits the prospect of facing him on Thursday is "scary".
Sydney Roosters, the reigning premiers, face Brisbane in a mouth-watering clash of the NRL title heavyweights.
Tevita Pangai Junior AAP
Pangai Junior has been easily Brisbane's best forward over the opening three weeks of the season, leading the pack in metres and tackle breaks.
But his most eye-popping performance was a round-two slugfest with North Queensland's Jason Taumalolo that instantly threw him into Origin spotlight.
The 23-year-old has yet to decide whether he will play Origin this year or represent his native Tonga during the international weekend.
Before their SCG battle, Cordner believes Pangai Junior has already shown a skill set found only in a select group of big men.
Tevita Pangai Junior Getty
"He's one of them forwards that have explosive power and skill. With their body size, it's a pretty scary thought," Cordner said.
"He moves really well laterally and he's got great acceleration off the mark.
"Put in skill and size with that, he's a really good football player.
"And he's still young so he'll probably only get better."
Pangai Junior was part of an extended 32-man squad named by coach Brad Fittler last year, alongside fellow rising star Cameron Murray.
Tevita Pangai Junior powers past the Cowboys AAP
The pair join a lengthy queue of forwards waiting for their Origin call-up, including Ryan James, Dale Finucane and Jordan McLean.
Fittler is almost certain to be forced to make at least one change from last year's victorious squad, with Jack de Belin currently banned due to the code's new no-fault stand-down policy.
Cordner said Pangai Junior would certainly be on the radar.
"I'm pretty sure he's already in the sights of Freddy. If he keeps going the way he is, there's no reason why he can't be there," Cordner said.
