Andrew Fifita has revealed he's prepared to choose footy over family and miss the birth of his third child for a NSW jumper.
With his wife Nikkita set to give birth about the same time as State of Origin III next month, the Blues' man of the moment is facing a monumental dilemma.
Ordinarily family comes before anything else for the 27-year-old Fifita, however, this Origin series shapes as an important milestone in his career and life.
After winning a World Cup with Australia in 2013 and the NRL premiership with Cronulla last year, an Origin series win remains the final item on the enigmatic front-rower's bucket list.
Fifita's on the cusp of doing just that after leading NSW to an emphatic 28-4 win over Queensland in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
Should the Blues wrap up the series in Sydney on June 21, it would free up Fifita to be there for the birth.
However, if it goes to a decider in Brisbane on July 12, he is prepared to go into camp with NSW, even if it means he's not there when his third child comes into the world.
And he has the blessing of his wife to do so.
"To be honest she's told me to follow my dreams and my dream is to win an Origin series," Fifita said.
"It's a hard decision but we went through the same dramas with my daughter; I got away with it.
"If only she can hold it in until I get out of Origin III."
Fifita's career has been held back in the past by a series of off-field indiscretions - including his on-field support for convicted killer Kieran Loveridge and abusing a junior referee - however, he remains a deeply devoted family man.
Asked about the prospect of playing Origin II at ANZ Stadium in front of his wife, son and daughter, he said it meant the world to him.
"I'm excited. My wife is at home, she can't get on a plane, she can't travel, she's that far pregnant," Fifita said.
"I can't wait to play in front of my family again.
"My son went to pre-school and told everyone I was going to score a try.
"I got lucky. I'm just happy to be a part of it and to do him proud."
The NSW and Cronulla wrecking ball reinforced why he is fast building a reputation as one of the NRL's premier big-game players after turning in a barnstormer in the Blues' Origin I win.
After scoring a try, playing an important role in another two, running for 168 metres and busting seven tackles, the giant NSW prop was named man of the match.
Fifita was controversially overlooked for the Clive Churchill Medal in last year's grand final and said he was embracing the big stage.
"This is what you live for - big games like these," Fifita said.
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