The Keaon Koloamatangi moment Blues coach Laurie Daley can’t ignore when he picks his team for the decider

If effort moments are Laurie Daley’s criteria for NSW selection, the Blues coach can no longer ignore South Sydney powerhouse Keaon Koloamatangi. Here’s why Daley has to pick the in-form forward for the series decider.

If effort moments are part of Laurie Daley’s criteria for NSW selection then the Blues coach can no longer ignore South Sydney powerhouse Keaon Koloamatangi.

Max King secured a shock selection for the State of Origin series opener on the back of such a moment in Round 9. The Canterbury forward ran 80 metres down the field after a Titans break to make a desperate tackle.

It sealed King’s selection with Daley declaring: “That’s a guy that cares about his team, cares about his teammates. That’s the type of player I want.”

Last Saturday, Koloamatangi produced a similar, and just as desperate, effort moment as he attempted to charge down a golden-point field goal attempt by Melbourne’s Ryan Papenhuyzen in the 83rd minute.

It came after Koloamatangi had churned 200 metres, all while playing through the pain of a fractured eye socket.

The golden point play that could parachute Keaon Koloamatangi into Blues team.

“I was just trying to win,” Koloamatangi said.

“You just find something (extra) when you are trying to win and that’s all I was trying to do. I tried to get there but Hubby (Lachlan Hubner) got there.

“I just try to take as many carries as I can and make as many tackles as I can, try to stay busy and tough it out.”

Koloamatangi has mounted an irrefutable case for Blues selection in the decider at Accord Stadium on July 9.

According to Code Sports stats, since moving into the front row in Round 10, the in-form forward has averaged a huge 192 metres per game and now sits fifth for overall run metres by props despite starting the season in the backrow.

Melbourne’s Stefano Utoikamanu, the man most under threat by Koloamatangi’s emergence at prop, has only churned out an average 83 metres in his past six games. While King has averaged 151 metres over the same period.

“I like the feeling of trying to do as much work as I can and trying to get the respect of my teammates,” Koloamatangi said.

“They acknowledge me for how much work I do, and I just like the feeling of not letting my teammates down and trying to be that player that works hard for my team.

“I try not to make any excuses on the field … I feel like that is what Origin is about.”

They’re the kind of words that should be music to Daley’s ears.

If the Blues coach needed any more convincing, Koloamatangi’s toughness in recent days should dispel any doubts.

Only six days after suffering a fractured eye socket against the Bulldogs in Round 15, Koloamatangi did not even consider ruling himself out with injury against the Storm last weekend.

Koloamatangi churned through 200m with a fractured eye socket.

“It was pretty bad last week, it’s sweet now,” Koloamatangi said.

“I fractured inside my eye socket, I thought I just got poked in the eye when it happened because I couldn’t see. I was walking off and then I blew my nose and it (eye) fully closed, like the UFC fighters.

“I didn’t know it was broken. When it breaks there is a pocket of air that gets in

“I saw the surgeon on Monday, there was a fracture but it was under my eyebrow. It was in a unique spot, but they said I didn’t need surgery and it was up to me pain wise and confidence wise if I wanted to play next week.

“The only thing that would make it worse, was if I were to get hit in the same spot.

“It was a no-brainer for me, I wanted to play.”

Koloamatangi has a single Origin game under his belt after making his Blues debut in 2023 and was called into camp by Daley as 19th man ahead of Origin II but did not travel to Perth after fracturing his eye socket.

Koloamatangi’s message to Daley, ahead of South Sydney’s clash against the Dolphins on Saturday, is clear.

He’ll show no fear if he gets the call-up for the decider in two weeks time.

“I want to get back into Origin and be able to stay in the team.” Koloamatangi said.

“Hopefully, I get the call.

“I’m sure if I was to get the call, I wouldn’t be scared or worried, I’d be pretty confident. But yeah, time will tell.”

Keaon Koloamatangi took on the entire Storm pack with a fractured eye socket. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Teammate Jamie Humphreys believes not only is Koloamatangi the type of player Daley wants but that the state of NSW needs.

“He’s led with his actions. But it’s more than the metres every week, it’s the effort he shows and he cares so much about the club and the team.

“It’s inspiring. Last week his whole face had swollen up, but he’s running out and leading from the front the following week, it’s a testament to his toughness and commitment to this team.

“His will to win is unmatched.”