NSW 2020 State of Origin team revealed: Jarome Luai among seven NRL grand finalists added to Brad Fittler’s squad
A young Panthers flyer is among seven additions to the NSW State of Origin team, coach Brad Fittler rounding out his Blues squad using players from the two NRL Grand Final teams.
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His premiership dreams were quashed but Jarome Luai has become a shock inclusion alongside three Panthers teammates in the NSW State of Origin squad announced on Sunday night.
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Penrith’s Nathan Cleary as well as potential debutants Luai, Stephen Crichton and Isaiah Yeo plus Melbourne trio Dale Finucane, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Josh Addo-Carr were all selected in the Blues’ extended squad.
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Penrith back-rower Liam Martin was unlucky to miss out after pushing for selection. Luai’s selection is the biggest surprise given Cody Walker, Jack Wighton and Luke Keary are already in the 27-man squad. Keary has been under a fitness doubt after he suffered a head knock in the Roosters’ finals loss to Canberra. However, it is understood he trained with the squad on Friday.
Luai has played for the junior Kiwis and recently expressed little desire to play for NSW, with a preference to play for Samoa. He can still play for NSW and Samoa.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said the selections were “cold comfort”.
“I’m really happy for them,” Cleary said. “They thoroughly deserve it. Individuals can sit back and say they deserved their spot. It’s only going to help our team and shows all our young boys that they’ve made some incredible strides this year.”
Blues selectors picked Crichton after South Sydney’s Campbell Graham failed a fitness test on his groin after receiving a cortisone injection last week.
The new players will join the rest of the squad in camp on the Central Coast on Wednesday. They will train with the squad for the first time on Thursday.
Papenhuyzen has capped a dream season with his Origin selection off the back of a Clive Churchill Medal win on Sunday night. He will be pushing for a utility spot on the bench.
“This is unbelievable,” Papenhuyzen said after picking up his medal. “I’m speechless. I was emotional after the game. It’s been a bloody tough year.”
The Origin series starts in Adelaide on November 4 before matches in Sydney and Brisbane.
MCINNES HOPES FOR ORIGIN DEBUT
St George Illawarra skipper Cameron McInnes is putting aside a tumultuous club season to be part of the Blues’ extended squad.
McInnes said his call-up was a “pretty amazing feeling”.
“It’s been a tough couple of years at the Dragons,” McInnes said. “I was disappointed we didn’t make the finals. I’m very fortunate to be given an opportunity in the NSW squad and perhaps playing.”
McInnes has been on the cusp of Origin selection for the past three years.
He is expected to serve as the back-up hooker to incumbent Damien Cook.
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“2018 was the year my name got mentioned the most,” McInnes said.
“Whether or not I was close or not I don’t know.
I wouldn’t have said I got my hopes up but I’ve learnt it doesn’t matter what’s said, you have to play well.
“The last couple of years – it’s not that Origin has not been a goal – but I have not thought about it too much because if you start thinking about it you’re going to let your team down.
“I wouldn’t call it a reward, I’m not a big believer that all the hard work you put in should be rewarded.
“You should be putting that effort in every week and not need a carrot of NSW selection or a personal accolade to give your all.”
McInnes’ utility value will see him push for a bench spot after making the transition into the backrow at times for the Dragons this year.
“I’ve heard a few people say I was reluctant to play lock,” McInnes.
“That’s not right, I grew up playing a fair bit of lock. I don’t consider myself a hooker, I consider myself a footy player.
“The way I play is more defence orientated. I’m confident in doing a job in either position. I thoroughly enjoy playing hooker but knowing I can play both at a decent level has been good.”
Originally published as NSW 2020 State of Origin team revealed: Jarome Luai among seven NRL grand finalists added to Brad Fittler’s squad