Jacob Kiraz has been drafted into the New South Wales Blues camp amid fresh concerns over Brian To’o’s fitness ahead of Game 2 in Perth.
The Canterbury Bulldogs winger joined the squad for Thursday’s scrimmage session against the Entrance Tigers, as To’o continues to manage a niggling hamstring issue.
The Panthers star, who missed the first three months of the season with hamstring problems, pulled up sore after last weekend’s win over the Wests Tigers and was seen limping late in the game.
NSW officials remain confident To’o will be right to play on Wednesday night, but Kiraz’s inclusion suggests contingency planning is already in motion.
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‘I know I won’t let the state down’
Kiraz, who has been in fine form for the Bulldogs this season, admitted recently that donning the blue jersey is a dream he’s long held.
“I would be lying if I said I didn’t (have those Origin aspirations),” he told Zero Tackle. “I’ve always dreamed of it as a kid… and yeah, I obviously want to put on that jumper.
“I know I won’t let the state down, but whenever the time’s right, I know it’s all in God’s timing at the end of the day, and I’m ready.”