Exiled Knight poised to get nrl lifeline
JACKSON Hastings' wait is about to end.
Hastings is expected to be named in the Knights No.7 jumper for the round-15 clash with the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
It has been 316 days since the much maligned playmaker last appeared in the NRL - a 30-14 defeat to the Broncos in round 20 last season.
On a contract worth $700,000 a year, Hastings has been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland, Tyson Gamble and Will Pryce.
"For what we're trying to achieve at the moment, I don't believe Jackson could solve our issues," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said about Hastings last month.
Hastings has been linked to a mid-season move amid talk that he was on the outer at the Knights.
However, with Kalyn Ponga's selection for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble sidelined with a broken thumb, Hastings' number has dropped.
He was 18th man for the come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly and his form in NSW Cup has been strong.
In a 28-24 loss to the Dragons a fortnight ago, Hastings set up a try, ran 78 metres, made 23 tackles at 100 per cent and kicked a total of 538 metres.
Sharpe will move to fullback to cover for Ponga, with Cogger shifting to five-eighth.
However, Sharpe is under a slight injury cloud with a calf issue he sustained late against Manly.
Tyson Frizell is out with concusion, with Tyrone Thompson likely to come into the 17.
Bradman Best trained strongly on Monday and is a chance to return from a hamstring injury.
Hastings is off-contract at the end of the year and has been linked with a return to the Super League.
O'Brien has confirmed Hastings won't be at the Knights in 2026.
"The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said.
The Roosters have been again hit heavy by Origin with Lindsay Collins and Robert Toia selected for Queensland and Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu in the Blues.
Sam Walker is a strong chance to return to first grade after a playing his first game back from a knee reconstruction in NSW Cup.
His return would likely come at the expense of Hugo Savala, with the halfback to earn a bench spot as cover.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will shift to centre with Dom Young onto the right wing in what shapes as his final game for the Roosters before rejoining the Knights.
The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home.
They have won just two of six games at home so far this year and are 15th on the ladder.
Newcastle fans booed the team off when they trailed Manly 16-0 at half-time, prompting O'Brien to react after the game.
Club great Matty Johns initially criticised O'Brien for his fan attack on Thursday night, saying on Fox Sports: "That's a bit rough.
"I'll tell you, those Newcastle people, from the days when I played right through we used to get booed sometimes and you cop it. Because those fans turn up even when it's pissing rain, hail, you're at the bottom of the ladder, they always turn up.
"And I think they pay their money and they've supported that side for so long that I think they're entitled to air their grievances."
But O'Brien made a swift apology to the supporters, calling a press conference on Friday morning to head off any fan revolt after realising he had erred in an emotional post-game response.
And there is genuine hope the second-half turnaround in Manly is the trigger for an upward turn for the season.
"Adam O'Brien after the game basically said the people who booed don't know rugby league," Johns said on his show on Sunday night.
"To Adam's credit, the next morning he [came] out and apologised.
"I think the fans there would understand and accept that apology.
"There's one thing about it ... I think he should almost thank the fans. Because the fans were after a reaction [by booing] in that second half and they certainly got it. A win they really, really needed."
JACKSON Hastings' wait is about to end.
Hastings is expected to be named in the Knights No.7 jumper for the round-15 clash with the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
It has been 316 days since the much maligned playmaker last appeared in the NRL - a 30-14 defeat to the Broncos in round 20 last season.
On a contract worth $700,000 a year, Hastings has been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland, Tyson Gamble and Will Pryce.
"For what we're trying to achieve at the moment, I don't believe Jackson could solve our issues," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said about Hastings last month.
Hastings has been linked to a mid-season move amid talk that he was on the outer at the Knights.
However, with Kalyn Ponga's selection for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble sidelined with a broken thumb, Hastings' number has dropped.
He was 18th man for the come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly and his form in NSW Cup has been strong.
In a 28-24 loss to the Dragons a fortnight ago, Hastings set up a try, ran 78 metres, made 23 tackles at 100 per cent and kicked a total of 538 metres.
Sharpe will move to fullback to cover for Ponga, with Cogger shifting to five-eighth.
However, Sharpe is under a slight injury cloud with a calf issue he sustained late against Manly.
Tyson Frizell is out with concusion, with Tyrone Thompson likely to come into the 17.
Bradman Best trained strongly on Monday and is a chance to return from a hamstring injury.
Hastings is off-contract at the end of the year and has been linked with a return to the Super League.
O'Brien has confirmed Hastings won't be at the Knights in 2026.
"The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said.
The Roosters have been again hit heavy by Origin with Lindsay Collins and Robert Toia selected for Queensland and Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu in the Blues.
Sam Walker is a strong chance to return to first grade after a playing his first game back from a knee reconstruction in NSW Cup.
His return would likely come at the expense of Hugo Savala, with the halfback to earn a bench spot as cover.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will shift to centre with Dom Young onto the right wing in what shapes as his final game for the Roosters before rejoining the Knights.
The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home.
They have won just two of six games at home so far this year and are 15th on the ladder.
Newcastle fans booed the team off when they trailed Manly 16-0 at half-time, prompting O'Brien to react after the game.
Club great Matty Johns initially criticised O'Brien for his fan attack on Thursday night, saying on Fox Sports: "That's a bit rough.
"I'll tell you, those Newcastle people, from the days when I played right through we used to get booed sometimes and you cop it. Because those fans turn up even when it's pissing rain, hail, you're at the bottom of the ladder, they always turn up.
"And I think they pay their money and they've supported that side for so long that I think they're entitled to air their grievances."
But O'Brien made a swift apology to the supporters, calling a press conference on Friday morning to head off any fan revolt after realising he had erred in an emotional post-game response.
And there is genuine hope the second-half turnaround in Manly is the trigger for an upward turn for the season.
"Adam O'Brien after the game basically said the people who booed don't know rugby league," Johns said on his show on Sunday night.
"To Adam's credit, the next morning he [came] out and apologised.
"I think the fans there would understand and accept that apology.
"There's one thing about it ... I think he should almost thank the fans. Because the fans were after a reaction [by booing] in that second half and they certainly got it. A win they really, really needed."
JACKSON Hastings' wait is about to end.
Hastings is expected to be named in the Knights No.7 jumper for the round-15 clash with the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
It has been 316 days since the much maligned playmaker last appeared in the NRL - a 30-14 defeat to the Broncos in round 20 last season.
On a contract worth $700,000 a year, Hastings has been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland, Tyson Gamble and Will Pryce.
"For what we're trying to achieve at the moment, I don't believe Jackson could solve our issues," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said about Hastings last month.
Hastings has been linked to a mid-season move amid talk that he was on the outer at the Knights.
However, with Kalyn Ponga's selection for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble sidelined with a broken thumb, Hastings' number has dropped.
He was 18th man for the come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly and his form in NSW Cup has been strong.
In a 28-24 loss to the Dragons a fortnight ago, Hastings set up a try, ran 78 metres, made 23 tackles at 100 per cent and kicked a total of 538 metres.
Sharpe will move to fullback to cover for Ponga, with Cogger shifting to five-eighth.
However, Sharpe is under a slight injury cloud with a calf issue he sustained late against Manly.
Tyson Frizell is out with concusion, with Tyrone Thompson likely to come into the 17.
Bradman Best trained strongly on Monday and is a chance to return from a hamstring injury.
Hastings is off-contract at the end of the year and has been linked with a return to the Super League.
O'Brien has confirmed Hastings won't be at the Knights in 2026.
"The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said.
The Roosters have been again hit heavy by Origin with Lindsay Collins and Robert Toia selected for Queensland and Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu in the Blues.
Sam Walker is a strong chance to return to first grade after a playing his first game back from a knee reconstruction in NSW Cup.
His return would likely come at the expense of Hugo Savala, with the halfback to earn a bench spot as cover.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will shift to centre with Dom Young onto the right wing in what shapes as his final game for the Roosters before rejoining the Knights.
The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home.
They have won just two of six games at home so far this year and are 15th on the ladder.
Newcastle fans booed the team off when they trailed Manly 16-0 at half-time, prompting O'Brien to react after the game.
Club great Matty Johns initially criticised O'Brien for his fan attack on Thursday night, saying on Fox Sports: "That's a bit rough.
"I'll tell you, those Newcastle people, from the days when I played right through we used to get booed sometimes and you cop it. Because those fans turn up even when it's pissing rain, hail, you're at the bottom of the ladder, they always turn up.
"And I think they pay their money and they've supported that side for so long that I think they're entitled to air their grievances."
But O'Brien made a swift apology to the supporters, calling a press conference on Friday morning to head off any fan revolt after realising he had erred in an emotional post-game response.
And there is genuine hope the second-half turnaround in Manly is the trigger for an upward turn for the season.
"Adam O'Brien after the game basically said the people who booed don't know rugby league," Johns said on his show on Sunday night.
"To Adam's credit, the next morning he [came] out and apologised.
"I think the fans there would understand and accept that apology.
"There's one thing about it ... I think he should almost thank the fans. Because the fans were after a reaction [by booing] in that second half and they certainly got it. A win they really, really needed."
JACKSON Hastings' wait is about to end.
Hastings is expected to be named in the Knights No.7 jumper for the round-15 clash with the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
It has been 316 days since the much maligned playmaker last appeared in the NRL - a 30-14 defeat to the Broncos in round 20 last season.
On a contract worth $700,000 a year, Hastings has been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland, Tyson Gamble and Will Pryce.
"For what we're trying to achieve at the moment, I don't believe Jackson could solve our issues," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said about Hastings last month.
Hastings has been linked to a mid-season move amid talk that he was on the outer at the Knights.
However, with Kalyn Ponga's selection for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble sidelined with a broken thumb, Hastings' number has dropped.
He was 18th man for the come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly and his form in NSW Cup has been strong.
In a 28-24 loss to the Dragons a fortnight ago, Hastings set up a try, ran 78 metres, made 23 tackles at 100 per cent and kicked a total of 538 metres.
Sharpe will move to fullback to cover for Ponga, with Cogger shifting to five-eighth.
However, Sharpe is under a slight injury cloud with a calf issue he sustained late against Manly.
Tyson Frizell is out with concusion, with Tyrone Thompson likely to come into the 17.
Bradman Best trained strongly on Monday and is a chance to return from a hamstring injury.
Hastings is off-contract at the end of the year and has been linked with a return to the Super League.
O'Brien has confirmed Hastings won't be at the Knights in 2026.
"The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said.
The Roosters have been again hit heavy by Origin with Lindsay Collins and Robert Toia selected for Queensland and Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu in the Blues.
Sam Walker is a strong chance to return to first grade after a playing his first game back from a knee reconstruction in NSW Cup.
His return would likely come at the expense of Hugo Savala, with the halfback to earn a bench spot as cover.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will shift to centre with Dom Young onto the right wing in what shapes as his final game for the Roosters before rejoining the Knights.
The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home.
They have won just two of six games at home so far this year and are 15th on the ladder.
Newcastle fans booed the team off when they trailed Manly 16-0 at half-time, prompting O'Brien to react after the game.
Club great Matty Johns initially criticised O'Brien for his fan attack on Thursday night, saying on Fox Sports: "That's a bit rough.
"I'll tell you, those Newcastle people, from the days when I played right through we used to get booed sometimes and you cop it. Because those fans turn up even when it's pissing rain, hail, you're at the bottom of the ladder, they always turn up.
"And I think they pay their money and they've supported that side for so long that I think they're entitled to air their grievances."
But O'Brien made a swift apology to the supporters, calling a press conference on Friday morning to head off any fan revolt after realising he had erred in an emotional post-game response.
And there is genuine hope the second-half turnaround in Manly is the trigger for an upward turn for the season.
"Adam O'Brien after the game basically said the people who booed don't know rugby league," Johns said on his show on Sunday night.
"To Adam's credit, the next morning he [came] out and apologised.
"I think the fans there would understand and accept that apology.
"There's one thing about it ... I think he should almost thank the fans. Because the fans were after a reaction [by booing] in that second half and they certainly got it. A win they really, really needed."
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The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Luai answers Blues' SOS call for State of Origin II
History has repeated itself with NSW forced to call upon a player they had initially dumped as the Blues hunt a series victory in Perth. Jarome Luai answered coach Laurie Daley's SOS call on Thursday after Moses was rubbed out of game 2 because of a calf strain suffered in camp. The Wests Tigers co-captain, who had been overlooked for Moses in the game one win, was contacted by Daley and team performance manager Frank Ponissi. Five-eighth for last year's series win, Luai heeded the call and will reunite with former Penrith teammate Nathan Cleary in the halves for his 11th Origin cap. "I've done the work, I've been here before. I know what it takes," Luai said on arrival at the team hotel in Leura on Thursday night. "We've got a good squad so I just need to do my job and give the other boys confidence as well." It marks the second time in as many series NSW have been forced to lean on a key player they initially rejected, having called fullback James Tedesco in at similarly late notice for last year's series opener. Tedesco was dropped from the team once Dylan Edwards recovered from injury for Origin II last year. But Luai said he was not yet considering his selection prospects should Moses be fit in time for Origin III. "I'm not worried about what's next. I'm worried about the present moment," he said. "I'm really excited and I'm grateful for the opportunity. I know there were a few options they could've went with but I'll make sure I repay that faith." The NRL has already granted the Blues an exemption to bring Luai into the team from outside the 20-man squad Daley had named on Tuesday. Daley defended the Blues' call to pick Luai ahead of Canterbury five-eighth Matt Burton, who was already in camp as replacement player. The coach said the chance to reignite Luai and Cleary's combination, which won four premierships at the Panthers, was too good to refuse. "Back playing together, there'd be an energy and a synergy there," Daley said. "(Luai) played there last year, has got a good combination with Nathan and he's that left-side player. "He'll do a fine job." Burton's ability to cover the outside backs and halves has made him a favoured choice for NSW's replacement role, which he is filling for the fifth time in eight Origin games. "(Burton) would be disappointed, you'd want him to be disappointed, but he gives us a bit more versatility in that 18th-man role," Daley said. "He can play a few more positions. I just think Jarome and Nathan's combination, they've had so much success." Queensland are wary of the dangers posed by the Cleary-Luai combination, first forged a decade ago in Penrith's junior system. "They've played all their footy together at the Panthers. When it comes to Origin football they'll be a dangerous threat," said winger Xavier Coates. Daley was impressed by Luai's attitude after he was overlooked for game one and felt he would respond to the pressures of a last-minute call-up with similar positivity. "Luai handled it (the initial rejection) with such class and he said if I needed him, he'd be ready to go," Daley said. "So when I rang him, he said, 'Sweet, I'm ready to go'. That filled me with confidence. "I don't think anything fazes Jarome. He's always up for a challenge and the bigger the challenge, the better he goes." History has repeated itself with NSW forced to call upon a player they had initially dumped as the Blues hunt a series victory in Perth. Jarome Luai answered coach Laurie Daley's SOS call on Thursday after Moses was rubbed out of game 2 because of a calf strain suffered in camp. The Wests Tigers co-captain, who had been overlooked for Moses in the game one win, was contacted by Daley and team performance manager Frank Ponissi. Five-eighth for last year's series win, Luai heeded the call and will reunite with former Penrith teammate Nathan Cleary in the halves for his 11th Origin cap. "I've done the work, I've been here before. I know what it takes," Luai said on arrival at the team hotel in Leura on Thursday night. "We've got a good squad so I just need to do my job and give the other boys confidence as well." It marks the second time in as many series NSW have been forced to lean on a key player they initially rejected, having called fullback James Tedesco in at similarly late notice for last year's series opener. Tedesco was dropped from the team once Dylan Edwards recovered from injury for Origin II last year. But Luai said he was not yet considering his selection prospects should Moses be fit in time for Origin III. "I'm not worried about what's next. I'm worried about the present moment," he said. "I'm really excited and I'm grateful for the opportunity. I know there were a few options they could've went with but I'll make sure I repay that faith." The NRL has already granted the Blues an exemption to bring Luai into the team from outside the 20-man squad Daley had named on Tuesday. Daley defended the Blues' call to pick Luai ahead of Canterbury five-eighth Matt Burton, who was already in camp as replacement player. The coach said the chance to reignite Luai and Cleary's combination, which won four premierships at the Panthers, was too good to refuse. "Back playing together, there'd be an energy and a synergy there," Daley said. "(Luai) played there last year, has got a good combination with Nathan and he's that left-side player. "He'll do a fine job." Burton's ability to cover the outside backs and halves has made him a favoured choice for NSW's replacement role, which he is filling for the fifth time in eight Origin games. "(Burton) would be disappointed, you'd want him to be disappointed, but he gives us a bit more versatility in that 18th-man role," Daley said. "He can play a few more positions. I just think Jarome and Nathan's combination, they've had so much success." Queensland are wary of the dangers posed by the Cleary-Luai combination, first forged a decade ago in Penrith's junior system. "They've played all their footy together at the Panthers. When it comes to Origin football they'll be a dangerous threat," said winger Xavier Coates. Daley was impressed by Luai's attitude after he was overlooked for game one and felt he would respond to the pressures of a last-minute call-up with similar positivity. "Luai handled it (the initial rejection) with such class and he said if I needed him, he'd be ready to go," Daley said. "So when I rang him, he said, 'Sweet, I'm ready to go'. That filled me with confidence. "I don't think anything fazes Jarome. He's always up for a challenge and the bigger the challenge, the better he goes." History has repeated itself with NSW forced to call upon a player they had initially dumped as the Blues hunt a series victory in Perth. Jarome Luai answered coach Laurie Daley's SOS call on Thursday after Moses was rubbed out of game 2 because of a calf strain suffered in camp. The Wests Tigers co-captain, who had been overlooked for Moses in the game one win, was contacted by Daley and team performance manager Frank Ponissi. Five-eighth for last year's series win, Luai heeded the call and will reunite with former Penrith teammate Nathan Cleary in the halves for his 11th Origin cap. "I've done the work, I've been here before. I know what it takes," Luai said on arrival at the team hotel in Leura on Thursday night. "We've got a good squad so I just need to do my job and give the other boys confidence as well." It marks the second time in as many series NSW have been forced to lean on a key player they initially rejected, having called fullback James Tedesco in at similarly late notice for last year's series opener. Tedesco was dropped from the team once Dylan Edwards recovered from injury for Origin II last year. But Luai said he was not yet considering his selection prospects should Moses be fit in time for Origin III. "I'm not worried about what's next. I'm worried about the present moment," he said. "I'm really excited and I'm grateful for the opportunity. I know there were a few options they could've went with but I'll make sure I repay that faith." The NRL has already granted the Blues an exemption to bring Luai into the team from outside the 20-man squad Daley had named on Tuesday. Daley defended the Blues' call to pick Luai ahead of Canterbury five-eighth Matt Burton, who was already in camp as replacement player. The coach said the chance to reignite Luai and Cleary's combination, which won four premierships at the Panthers, was too good to refuse. "Back playing together, there'd be an energy and a synergy there," Daley said. "(Luai) played there last year, has got a good combination with Nathan and he's that left-side player. "He'll do a fine job." Burton's ability to cover the outside backs and halves has made him a favoured choice for NSW's replacement role, which he is filling for the fifth time in eight Origin games. "(Burton) would be disappointed, you'd want him to be disappointed, but he gives us a bit more versatility in that 18th-man role," Daley said. "He can play a few more positions. I just think Jarome and Nathan's combination, they've had so much success." Queensland are wary of the dangers posed by the Cleary-Luai combination, first forged a decade ago in Penrith's junior system. "They've played all their footy together at the Panthers. When it comes to Origin football they'll be a dangerous threat," said winger Xavier Coates. Daley was impressed by Luai's attitude after he was overlooked for game one and felt he would respond to the pressures of a last-minute call-up with similar positivity. "Luai handled it (the initial rejection) with such class and he said if I needed him, he'd be ready to go," Daley said. "So when I rang him, he said, 'Sweet, I'm ready to go'. That filled me with confidence. "I don't think anything fazes Jarome. He's always up for a challenge and the bigger the challenge, the better he goes."
Sydney Morning Herald
12 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I do pinch myself': From Ron Massey Cup to NSW Origin camp in half a season
Since then, he hasn't missed a game for the champions, stringing together 11 appearances, culminating in a career-best performance in Penrith's 18-14 win against Wests Tigers last week. Jenkins scored a hat-trick of tries, made five line-breaks, 12 tackle-breaks and carried the ball 253 metres in attack. Just when he thought life could not get much better, he was called into the NSW squad this week as a development/shadow player to help the Blues prepare for Origin II in Perth on Wednesday. 'Oh, I think we've just enjoyed his enthusiasm,' NSW coach Daley Laurie said, explaining the decision to invite Jenkins into camp. 'He seems like he's gotten better and better ... he was a guy that we sort of had down the middle of last week that we wanted to bring him into camp, and to see him play the way he did [against the Tigers], yeah, it was tremendous. 'So to come from where he has and just to come up here for a couple of days and mingle in around the squad, I think it's a great opportunity for him.' Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said the 'humility' Jenkins showed during the pre-season convinced him he was worth another chance. 'He went down to Massey and did his time, trained hard - in our afternoon squad, as well,' Cleary said. 'And then when he got a chance in [NSW] Cup, he was too good for Cup as well. So he just did everything we asked, and he's still doing it.' Whatever he achieves this season and beyond, Jenkins said he will always be grateful to St Mary's. 'I was so happy to go back there and play for them,' he said. 'They're such a good club. I knew I'd enjoy my footy there. I've got a lot of mates there, and that's what it was about. 'It was about enjoying footy. It wasn't about how high I was playing or what I was doing. It was about enjoying it. But yeah, things have worked out, and I ended up enjoying it here.' Jenkins' train-and-trial deal has since been upgraded into a full-time contract until the end of next season. 'The goal was always to come and play in NRL, but like I said, it was about coming back and enjoying my footy,' he said. Loading 'I feel like at St Mary's, it was a step in the right direction. 'I knew a pathway back to the Panthers was there. Nothing was promised, nothing was guaranteed, but I was happy to take that chance. I wake up every day feeling blessed, being grateful. I'm lucky for the position I'm in and the things that have fallen my way. 'I do pinch myself. I find myself lucky, but in saying that, like I said, I've got to keep my feet on ground and take it week by week. 'Like I said, nothing's guaranteed. There's so many good players that are coming up underneath, so I can't take my position for granted. 'Nothing's secure ever, so it's about playing good week to week. It's up to me to keep doing that job.'
The Advertiser
14 hours ago
- The Advertiser
To'o backed to be fit but Blues keep Kiraz on stand-by
NSW winger Brian To'o is on track to overcome a hamstring issue and play in State of Origin II, but Jacob Kiraz remains on stand-by for a whirlwind debut. Coach Laurie Daley said he and his staff would make the final call on To'o's fitness after the Blues' final training session in Sydney on Saturday. The team flies out to Perth the next day with the hopes of sealing a series victory over Queensland. To'o pulled up sore after Penrith's defeat of Wests Tigers on Sunday and did not train with the team during Thursday's session in the Blue Mountains. The Blues are taking a cautious approach to To'o's fitness given two previous hamstring issues earlier this season, but are confident he will line up on the left wing at Optus Stadium. "He trained as well as what we wanted him today so he's on the right path," Daley said. "He'll be okay, if anything changes, it would be on Saturday because you want to make sure he has a really good hitout. But I don't think he's in any doubt." Kiraz was called in to train with the Blues on Thursday in To'o's absence, despite outside backs Tom Jenkins and Kotoni Staggs already being in the wider squad. In the event To'o is deemed unfit for Origin II, Daley confirmed Canterbury winger Kiraz would be rewarded for a fantastic season with a maiden Origin cap. "Most definitely," the coach said. "We'll make a decision one way or the other on Saturday." The Blues have already been granted an exemption to bring Jarome Luai into the team from outside the squad Daley initially named, with Mitch Moses now unavailable through a calf injury. They would need to apply for a second exemption if To'o is also deemed unfit. But the NRL is typically more lenient in granting such exemptions for Origin, given teams name only a 20-player squad rather than the 22-players for club games. There is also a sense the best teams possible should be available for Origin. The opposition is unable to challenge or query a team's request for an exemption, with the NRL assessing each injury on a case-by-case basis before having the final say. Kiraz will not be available for the Blues' training session on Saturday given the Bulldogs face South Sydney the next day. NSW winger Brian To'o is on track to overcome a hamstring issue and play in State of Origin II, but Jacob Kiraz remains on stand-by for a whirlwind debut. Coach Laurie Daley said he and his staff would make the final call on To'o's fitness after the Blues' final training session in Sydney on Saturday. The team flies out to Perth the next day with the hopes of sealing a series victory over Queensland. To'o pulled up sore after Penrith's defeat of Wests Tigers on Sunday and did not train with the team during Thursday's session in the Blue Mountains. The Blues are taking a cautious approach to To'o's fitness given two previous hamstring issues earlier this season, but are confident he will line up on the left wing at Optus Stadium. "He trained as well as what we wanted him today so he's on the right path," Daley said. "He'll be okay, if anything changes, it would be on Saturday because you want to make sure he has a really good hitout. But I don't think he's in any doubt." Kiraz was called in to train with the Blues on Thursday in To'o's absence, despite outside backs Tom Jenkins and Kotoni Staggs already being in the wider squad. In the event To'o is deemed unfit for Origin II, Daley confirmed Canterbury winger Kiraz would be rewarded for a fantastic season with a maiden Origin cap. "Most definitely," the coach said. "We'll make a decision one way or the other on Saturday." The Blues have already been granted an exemption to bring Jarome Luai into the team from outside the squad Daley initially named, with Mitch Moses now unavailable through a calf injury. They would need to apply for a second exemption if To'o is also deemed unfit. But the NRL is typically more lenient in granting such exemptions for Origin, given teams name only a 20-player squad rather than the 22-players for club games. There is also a sense the best teams possible should be available for Origin. The opposition is unable to challenge or query a team's request for an exemption, with the NRL assessing each injury on a case-by-case basis before having the final say. Kiraz will not be available for the Blues' training session on Saturday given the Bulldogs face South Sydney the next day. NSW winger Brian To'o is on track to overcome a hamstring issue and play in State of Origin II, but Jacob Kiraz remains on stand-by for a whirlwind debut. Coach Laurie Daley said he and his staff would make the final call on To'o's fitness after the Blues' final training session in Sydney on Saturday. The team flies out to Perth the next day with the hopes of sealing a series victory over Queensland. To'o pulled up sore after Penrith's defeat of Wests Tigers on Sunday and did not train with the team during Thursday's session in the Blue Mountains. The Blues are taking a cautious approach to To'o's fitness given two previous hamstring issues earlier this season, but are confident he will line up on the left wing at Optus Stadium. "He trained as well as what we wanted him today so he's on the right path," Daley said. "He'll be okay, if anything changes, it would be on Saturday because you want to make sure he has a really good hitout. But I don't think he's in any doubt." Kiraz was called in to train with the Blues on Thursday in To'o's absence, despite outside backs Tom Jenkins and Kotoni Staggs already being in the wider squad. In the event To'o is deemed unfit for Origin II, Daley confirmed Canterbury winger Kiraz would be rewarded for a fantastic season with a maiden Origin cap. "Most definitely," the coach said. "We'll make a decision one way or the other on Saturday." The Blues have already been granted an exemption to bring Jarome Luai into the team from outside the squad Daley initially named, with Mitch Moses now unavailable through a calf injury. They would need to apply for a second exemption if To'o is also deemed unfit. But the NRL is typically more lenient in granting such exemptions for Origin, given teams name only a 20-player squad rather than the 22-players for club games. There is also a sense the best teams possible should be available for Origin. The opposition is unable to challenge or query a team's request for an exemption, with the NRL assessing each injury on a case-by-case basis before having the final say. Kiraz will not be available for the Blues' training session on Saturday given the Bulldogs face South Sydney the next day.
