Winger Jacob Kiraz on NSW Blues selection as 18th man and what it means for the Bulldogs
Jacob Kiraz will miss his traditional family Origin watch party and says it kills him to miss a game for the Bulldogs – but if it means helping NSW beat Queensland in the decider, he’ll do whatever it takes.
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Jacob Kiraz says it kills him to miss a game for the Bulldogs but if it means helping NSW beat Queensland in the decider, he’ll do it.
The lightning Canterbury winger has been named Blues’ 18th man by coach Laurie Daley as cover for Brian To’o ahead of the State of Origin decider at Accor Stadium next Wednesday night.
But like Matt Burton five times before him, it means he won’t play for the Bulldogs this weekend.
The Broncos are in the same boat with fullback Reece Walsh on standby with Queensland, wiping two players out of Friday night’s NRL blockbuster at Accor Stadium.
Kiraz, who could make his debut if called in for the Blues, is grateful for the call up but says it hurts to miss game time with the equal ladder leaders.
“I love the Bulldogs. Every game I miss I hate, even when I was injured I hated it and it killed me,” the 23-year-old said on day one of camp on Monday.
“Obviously I want to play for the Bulldogs, but you can’t do both when you’re 18th.
“My job now is to prepare the best I can for the Blues. That’s why I’m here, that’s what I’ll do.
“It’s a next up mentality at the Bulldogs and I’m sure they’ll be all right, and they’ve proven it before.”
After a loss to Penrith the Bulldogs are sitting second on the ladder coming into round 18.
Their form helped elevate prop Max King to his Origin debut in game one, and now Kiraz is on the verge of the same in the decider.
Daley said a scan on To’o’s knee was positive, but the Panthers weapon will be on restricted duties across the game three camp to avoid any further injury risk.
It means Kiraz will spend the next week training as if he’s taking the field in nine days’ time.
“As an 18th man that’s my job. I’m preparing as if I’m playing,” Kiraz said.
“As an 18th man you never know when you could get on, and I have to be able to fill in multiple positions. I’m training with the boys every day and I’m preparing to win.
“I know Bizza will be fine, he’s a tough cookie and he’s someone I look up to a lot, he comes out and kills it so he’ll be all right.
“But if not I have to prepare to play.”
It brings to an end a long tradition for the Kiraz family.
Origin nights are usually spent at his family home in Belfield, crammed with up to 35 people for a traditional Lebanese feast.
“Honestly, the best thing for me was telling my family straight away, I wanted to see their reaction. I was stoked but what made me more happy was their reaction,” he said.
“For the last 15 years, I mean every Origin night we would have a barbecue at my house, all my cousins, all my mates come and watch the game all together.
“Every Origin game that’s what we do. After this mum was saying we can’t have a BBQ this time, they’ll all probably come to the game.
“It’s pretty surreal. I thank Loz for trusting me to be a part of the squad.”
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Originally published as Winger Jacob Kiraz on NSW Blues selection as 18th man and what it means for the Bulldogs
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