NRL news 2024: Daniel Tupou weighs up Origin future after skipping NSW Blues camp, Stefano Utoikamanu overlooked

Roosters veteran Daniel Tupou may have played his last game for NSW, after skipping Michael Maguire’s first Origin camp as Blues coach.

Blues coach Michael Maguire has unveiled a 36-man squad for a two-day NSW camp.

Roosters veteran Daniel Tupou may have played his last game for NSW with the try-scoring winger skipping Michael Maguire’s first Origin camp as he contemplates his representative future.

It is understood Tupou has indicated he may stand-down from the Origin arena as the 32-year-old focuses on what may be his final season with the Roosters.

Tupou was invited to Maguire’s inaugural two-day camp at Sydney Olympic Park which started on Saturday but he opted against attending. It is likely that Tupou will not add to his 10 matches for NSW unless he has a change of heart closer to the series starting.

Daniel Tupou may have played his last game for NSW after skipping Michael Maguire’s first Origin camp as Blues coach. Picture: Getty Images

Also missing from the camp was Mitchell Moses who had a family wedding to attend where he was part of the bridal party.

Latrell Mitchell and Payne Haas were also unable to attend for personal reasons.

Maguire introduced himself to the 32-players who were on hand. He ran them through his expectations and what they could expect should they be picked for the Blues.

Maguire is part of a revamped coaching staff which includes former Blues Brett White, Matt King and John Cartwright.

The Blues host Origin I on June 5 before travelling to Melbourne and Brisbane to try to re-claim the shield.

(L-R) Blues stars Clint Gutherson, Tom Trbojevic,James Tedesco and Jake Trbojevic head into camp at NSWRL CEO in Homebush. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

BLUES STAR SNUBBED AS MADGE UNVEILS SQUAD FOR NSW CAMP

New NSW coach Michael Maguire has made his first big call as State of Origin coach, overlooking Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu from his first squad which features a dozen players from Penrith and South Sydney.

Two players who also won’t be there either are superstars Payne Haas and Latrell Mitchell with the pair pulling out of the squad because of person reasons. Despite missing the camp they remain fully committed to playing for the Blues this year.

Maguire has thrown out few surprises with this masthead able to reveal the 36-man squad Blues’ squad which will take part in a two-day camp at NSW headquarters at Sydney Olympic Park from Saturday.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was Utoikamanu not being part of the squad despite making his Origin debut last year. Even though he is not part of the group it is understood that Utoikamanu – who was signed by Maguire when he was head coach of the Tigers – still remains part of NSW’s plans with Maguire reaching out to the young prop.

Blues coach Michael Maguire has unveiled a 36-man squad for a two-day NSW camp.

However, his absence from Maguire’s opening squad is all the more intriguing given it could have huge ramifications for the Tigers – Utoikamanu has a clause in his contract that makes him a free agent if the club fails to make the finals this season.

The clause, however, is negated if Utoikamanu makes three Origin appearances by the end of this season.

Only Utoikamanu and former Bulldog Tevita Pangai Jnr who played in matches for NSW last year won’t be part of the camp.

The uncapped players in the squad include Campbell Graham, Dylan Edwards, Cameron McInnes and Haumole Olakau’atu.

“He is a father, he is a partner, he is a very good dad,” Manly coach Anthony Seibold said.

“That’s his motivation – to be the best dad he can be and that comes out in his footy. I really think that he can continue to be consistent and he could be one of the elite back rowers in the game.

Stefano Utoikamanu has been overlooked for the camp, despite making his NSW debut in 2023. Picture: NRL Imagery

“I know he has been invited to the NSW camp this weekend. I understand why Madge would invite him too. If he continues to be on consistent, he can push into that team as well.

“There was a fair bit of talk around Haumole (and Origin) last year and I know it impacted him because there was so much speculation.

“Kristian Wolfe gave him a massive rap in the Tongan tour in regards to his leadership and preparation. It’s good for Madge to get a feel for Haumole this weekend in camp and then it comes down to performance.”

Joseph Sua’ali’I has also been picked despite his imminent switch to rugby at the end of the year.

Penrith premiership winners Edwards, Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo are all in the squad while South Sydney’s Graham, Cameron Murray, Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Damien Cook and Keaon Koloamatangi are also featured.

It is understood Maguire also reached out to Melbourne flyer Ryan Papenhuyzen. However, Papenhuyzen will remain in Melbourne to continue his recovery from injury.

St George Illawarra, Warriors, Melbourne Storm, Dolphins and Gold Coast do not have any players.

The players won’t train but the get together will give Maguire an opportunity to introduce himself and his new-look coaching staff to the squad. That includes assistant coaches Brett White, Matt King and John Cartwright. It will also give Maguire a chance to outline his expectations of the players before they start their NRL campaigns.

Originally published as NRL news 2024: Daniel Tupou weighs up Origin future after skipping NSW Blues camp, Stefano Utoikamanu overlooked