State of Origin 2022, Game II: Jake Trbojevic the man to motivate Blues middle

NSW selectors are reluctant to implement wholesale changes to the team that was beaten in Origin I, but two former stars are pushing hard for a recall. SEE THE LIKELY CHANGES

Kotoni Staggs has declared his allegiance to the Blues. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Kotoni Staggs has chosen state over country, declaring he wants to play for NSW before Tonga in a representative selection tug-of-war for his services.

Staggs’ admission has emerged amid a day of high drama over international eligibility that included the Broncos centre being included alongside NSW Origin player Daniel Tupou in Tonga’s Test match squad to play New Zealand.

The Test match is scheduled to be played on June 25 — just 24-hours before the Blues face Queensland in a series-defining Origin II clash in Perth.

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Yet Staggs has declared his preference is to play for NSW, while Tupou has also phoned NSW coach Brad Fittler to relay a similar message.

“I definitely want to play for NSW, that’s my preference,” said Staggs, who made his Blues debut in last week’s 16-10 loss to Queensland at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

Kotoni Staggs wants to play for the Blues in Origin II. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“I’ve spoken to Kristian (Woolf, Tonga head coach). I’ve been picked in the Tongan squad in case I don’t make the Blues team, but I’ve told them I want to play Origin first and if not, then I will play for Tonga.

“It’s nice to have some options, but it was always my dream to play for the Blues and that won’t change.”

Staggs and Tupou’s Tongan squad inclusion has emerged just four days ahead of Fittler picking his all-important Origin II team.

Several other key NSW team selection decisions have emerged, with News Corp able to reveal:
* Axed Manly forward Jake Trbojevic is headed for a State of Origin II recall.
* Overlooked Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr is back at the forefront of NSW selectors minds.
* X-factor player Ryan Papenhuyzen’s hopes of earning a Blues bench spot have been flattened after testing positive to Covid.
* NSW Origin I forwards, including Eels duo Ryan Matterson and Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Dragons forward Tariq Sims, are struggling to be retained.

Jake Trbojevic is line for a recall to the Blues squad. Picture: Brett Costello

Sharks powerhouse Siosifa Talakai was also selected in the Tongan squad, but remains a focus of discussion for Blues selectors.

Trbojevic, with his passion and determination particularly in defence, is on the verge of being recalled to the NSW side for Origin II.

Fittler and his coaching staff are aware the Blues were beaten in the middle of the field in Sydney – and that won’t be tolerated again in Perth.

Boasting a relentless attitude, Trbojevic is seen as a player who would tighten NSW through the middle.

Trbojevic has been discussed consistently throughout selection meetings over the past week. A robust game for Manly against North Queensland at 4 Pines Park on Friday night will only enhance Trbojevic’s chances of selection.

Trbojevic’s possible selection could mean Parramatta’s Campbell-Gillard is dropped for Origin II. The Blues won’t make mass changes but several players, including Trbojevic, Addo-Carr, Tyson Frizell and Angus Crichton, are being scrutinised.

The Blues coaching staff were more concerned about the on-field style NSW employed rather than the playing personnel.

Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen has been struck down with Covid. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The chances of Nicho Hynes, 18th-man in Origin I, being included on the Blues bench have been enhanced following the failed comeback bid of Papenhuyzen this weekend due to Covid.

Staggs, who returns from a corked shoulder suffered in Origin I for the Broncos on Friday night, knows that Penrith‘s Stephen Crichton is placing pressure on him for a starting NSW centre position in Origin II.

“I’d love to be there again,” Staggs said. “It was really fast in Origin I, probably the fastest game I have ever been a part of, but I feel like I did my job.
“Unfortunately, I had to go off a bit earlier than expected because of my shoulder, but it feels better and I‘m ready to play this week (for Brisbane against Melbourne on Friday night).”