Jacob Kiraz may be given a taste of State of Origin, with Laurie Daley reportedly eyeing him for a backup role in Game III.
The Bulldogs winger is in line to wear the number 18 jersey and prepare with the team in case they have to deal with injuries or late changes.
The Blues squad will be announced at the conclusion of Round 17, however, a report from Channel Nine’s Danny Weidler is tipping that the 23-year-old will get the nod.
This will be the third Bulldogs player this series to be named in this role from either state, meaning they are unavailable to play in club-land prior to the Origin clash.
Kurt Mann was on standby for the Maroons in Game I and Matt Burton did the same for the Blues in Perth.
Canterbury’s coach Cameron Ciraldo was critical of the rule that prohibited the 18th man from playing in the NRL the week prior to the match, in a media scrum post team announcements for Game II.
“It’d be great for the system to be looked at in the future, where hopefully those 18th men could play, and then go and do that job and take on that responsibility,” he said.
Kiraz has been in the picture all season for a potential Origin debut, with his discipline, defence and combination with centre Stephen Crichton, all positive traits.
He’s being considered as cover for Brian To’o, who was New South Wales’ best player in their Game II defeat, but is carrying a knee injury into the decider in Sydney.
Discussion about this post