NSW bolter Kiraz backs Crichton to be fit for game two
Jasper Bruce |
Stephen Crichton shapes as his biggest competition for a whirlwind State of Origin debut, but Jacob Kiraz is backing his Canterbury teammate to be fit for game two.
The Bulldogs told reporters Crichton’s absence from training on Tuesday was unrelated to his troublesome shoulder, rather that the captain had two extra days off given a long turnaround into round 14.
His Bulldogs teammates will have their own break over the round-15 bye, but Crichton will miss that chance if he is named on NSW’s team sheet for Origin II.
NSW selection appears no sure thing for Crichton, though, with Blues coach Laurie Daley saying on Monday he would not take Crichton into camp underdone.
Crichton has contended with a shoulder injury since the Bulldogs’ Good Friday loss to South Sydney and aggravated the issue in recent days.
His possible omission could be Kiraz’s gain.
The 24-year-old has been excellent in two games back from a knee injury and came close to an Origin debut last year under Daley.
Naming Kiraz could also allow a newly-fit Tolu Koula to revert to his preferred centre spot at the MCG.
Kiraz, though, backed Crichton to recover in time and take his place in the Blues’ team.
“I’m sure Critta will be sweet. Critta is tough, he’s been playing with injury, like lots of boys in the team,” Kiraz said.
“I’m sure he’ll be fine. He’s tough, he’s done it before.”
A powerful yardage runner who can play anywhere in the back five, Kiraz was in the frame for game one last year but went down with a calf injury the weekend of NSW’s team announcement.
He was then on stand-by for game two as Brian To’o managed a hamstring concern, but was ultimately not required and was an unused 18th player for the decider.
“To be fair, when you’re there, I was itching to get out there. If the time comes, whenever it is, I’ll take it with both hands,” Kiraz said.
But the 14th-placed Bulldogs are the current priority for in-form Kiraz, who retains the fullback jersey ahead of a newly-fit Connor Tracey this weekend.
Last year’s semi-finalists could be as many as eight competition points out of the top eight with a loss to understrength Parramatta next Monday.
“I was very grateful to be part of the (Origin) squad last year. Whatever happens, happens, I just want to win for the Bulldogs,” he said.
“We need to get wins now and I’m sure that’ll happen. That’s where my focus is.”
AAP