‘I want to be there’: Josh Addo-Carr faces potential State of Origin showdown with Zac Lomax

A State of Origin spot could be on the line when two in-form wingers go face-to-face on Thursday night.

Josh Addo-Carr can help secure a NSW jersey if he outplays Blues hopeful Zac Lomax on Thursday night. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Two men will enter Accor Stadium on Thursday night, but only one might return with a NSW jersey next month when incumbent Josh Addo-Carr and the in-form Zac Lomax go head-to-head in a possible State of Origin audition.

The pair have both enjoyed strong starts to the season, with Addo-Carr desperate to retain his Blues jersey after he was controversially snubbed for the 2022 series despite scoring 10 tries in his first 12 games.

His omission looked even more bizarre when he starred at the World Cup with 12 tries in five matches, with Addo-Carr winning back his spot on the wing for NSW last year in another series defeat.

He now goes directly opposite Lomax who has been outstanding on the right wing for St George Illawarra despite making it clear in the pre-season that he wanted to play centre.

It’s almost impossible to pick the Blues backline given how many injuries there have been, but the duo are in the mix along with Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton and a host of other stars.

Josh Addo-Carr is tipped to retain his Blues jersey after earning a recall 12 months ago. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

“There’s no question that I want to be there. But I want to earn my spot,” Addo-Carr said as the Bulldogs launched their Indigenous jersey in Belmore on Monday.

“I want to earn my spot in that team. I want to play with the best players in the world and represent my state, my family and my community. That’s what it’s all about.

“It’s always a challenge, no matter who you play against in the NRL.

“Zac is having an incredible year, and everyone knows what type of player he is. I’m just focused on what I need to do here at the Dogs and I want to earn my spot.”

Addo-Carr has reaped the rewards from a meeting with Phil Gould in the pre-season. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Addo-Carr and Lomax were indirectly linked in the off-season with reports the ‘Foxx’ was on the outer with Canterbury officials following a couple of off-field indiscretions.

He was linked with the Eels before he resolved things with club supremo Phil Gould who said he was never at risk of leaving, with Parramatta then turning their attention to Lomax who signed a four-year deal to join them in 2025.

That meeting with Gould has worked wonders with Addo-Carr revealing the positive impact it’s had on his career which has showed with a number of strong performances on the left edge.

“It was two men sitting down and discussing footy and what I need to do better,” he said.

“I really took it on board and it definitely made me a better person.

“I found out a lot about myself, especially the last couple of years, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s made me hungrier.

“It’s kept me really disciplined and I just want to get better. I know I can play football, but I just wanted to better things outside of footy – preparing well, eating well, journaling and all that stuff.”