‘I want to be back there’: How a special treat has Jaydn Su’A in the mix to win back an Origin spot

Jaydn Su’A has been rewarded with sweet treats every time the Dragons have won this season, but it’s a Queensland jersey that he really craves,

Jaydn Su'A is eyeing off a State of Origin recall, with the Dragons forward playing the best footy of his career which has seen him earn a contract extension. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Dragons star Jaydn Su’A has been rewarded with “one” donut every time the Dragons have won this season but the edge forward is really craving a State of Origin recall having grown sick of watching games from the couch.

Su’A, 26, has represented the Maroons four times but last played off the bench in a forgettable 50-6 loss back in 2021.

That was his last season with the Rabbitohs, and after an injury disrupted start to his career with the Red V, he’s starting to play some of the best footy of his career which has seen him rewarded with a new two-year deal.

Jaydn Su'A has been one of the Dragons’ best players this season. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

“I’ve been watching it from the couch for the past two or three years, and I want to be back there,” he said.

“I want to play in those big games with the big moments. Am I ready? I don’t know, but there’s only one way to find out.

“I’m sure if I’m lucky enough to get that call then I’ll be ready.”

The Maroons have no shortage of options in the back row with David Fifita and Jeremiah Nanai the incumbents and capable of playing 80 minutes,

But Su’A is putting out numbers that can’t be ignored, averaging more minutes and metres per game than ever before, while he’s on track to finish 2024 with season-highs in tries, offloads and tackle busts.

“It’s a position that we’ve got a bit of strength in now, and Jaydn is one of the ones who is definitely putting his hand up,” Maroons veteran Ben Hunt said.

Su'A hasn’t played Origin since 2021 but is in the mix to win back his spot. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“I believe he’s playing some of the best footy I’ve ever seen him play.

“If he’s not in the side for game one then he’ll definitely be pushing for the other games because there are always injuries and other things happening.

“If he gets an opportunity, he won’t let us down.”

Su’A only played 13 games last year due to a shoulder injury, and it started to weigh down on the young man who felt he was letting people down by not living up to the hype.

He’s responded in style this year on the left edge, which saw him extend his stay for a further two seasons after lengthy contract negotiations.

Su'A has been a lot more physical this season on the left edge. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“I’ve trained really hard this off-season coming off an injury, and I felt that I was letting a lot of people down,” he said.

“There have always been raps and talk of potential being there. I don’t think I’ve hit that consistently.

“I was sick of that and wanted to take things into my own hands. We’re only early in the season, but I feel it’s a step in the right direction and I know I’ve got a few more steps to go.

“Experience goes a long way. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found out what it takes to be a week in, week out footy player. It’s definitely tough, but I’m enjoying it.”

While new coach Shane Flanagan has played a part in elevating his game this season, Su’A credits someone else for bringing out his best.

“My partner is pretty tough. She’s making sure I eat all the right things and is only giving me one donut per week after the game (if we win),” he revealed.

“If we lose, she gets it, so I’ve had five doughnuts so far this year.”

Originally published as ‘I want to be back there’: How a special treat has Jaydn Su’A in the mix to win back an Origin spot