Canberra Raiders wrecking ball Junior Paulo desperate to add Origin to his resume

JUNIOR Paulo has excelled in Canberra’s lime green, now he has his sights set on donning NSW’s sky blue as the Raiders make moves to retain the destructive prop.

Canberra's Junior Paulo during the Cronulla v Canberra rugby league match at Southern Cross Group Stadium, Cronulla. Picture: Brett Costello

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JUNIOR Paulo has excelled in Canberra’s lime green, now he has his sights set on donning NSW’s sky blue.

After producing his finest form at the Raiders in the past two seasons, Paulo wants to take the next step in his young career.

The Samoan international was named in an elite 13-member Emerging Blues side last year, which was chosen by then-coach Laurie Daley and adviser Peter Sterling.

But with Brad Fittler now coaching the Blues, Paulo’s manager Sam Ayoub says the barnstorming prop is desperate to add Origin football to his resume.

Junior Paulo has been in fine form with Canberra. Picture: Brett Costello

“I’ve spoken to Junior about this, but I’d like to think he will be pushing for Origin this season,” Ayoub said.

“I know it’s a goal of his. He played Origin in all the junior rep teams, so playing Origin at the highest level is an ambition of his.

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“He is now at the right age to be aiming to become an Origin prop for the next eight or nine years.”

In other news, Canberra have kickstarted talks to re-sign Paulo and Aidan Sezer on long-term multi-year deals.

Playmaker Aidan Sezer is also looking at a new contract. Picture: Getty Images

The pair’s manager Sam Ayoub confirmed he met with Raiders recruitment officer Peter Mulholland this week to commence negotiations.

Paulo and Sezer played 23 and 24 games respectively last season as the Raiders missed out on the finals.

Raiders CEO Don Furner has stated he is in no rush to re-sign the duo before round one and Ayoub agreed.

“Pete Mulholland indicated the Raiders interest in retaining Junior and Aidan,” he said.

“I’ve told them we will now go away, think about it and come to the club.

“It’s a process.”

Originally published as Canberra Raiders wrecking ball Junior Paulo desperate to add Origin to his resume