Blue Bula came through Queensland’s maroon factory
Annabelle Banfield |
He honed his skills at Queensland’s most famous rugby league nursery, but Gold Coast-raised Jahream Bula would prefer to see NSW take out the State of Origin shield in game two.
And he’s hoping Wests Tigers teammate Api Koroisau is there to help the Blues make it happen, following an arm injury to incumbent bench hooker Blayke Brailey.
Bula has always cheered for the Blues, despite the great Queensland dynasty of eight consecutive series wins happening during the 24-year-old’s youth.
“I’m a NSW supporter, I’ve always gone for them since I was a little kid,” Bula said.
The New Zealand-born fullback moved to Queensland to attend Keebra Park State High School, which counts Payne Haas, Benji Marshall and Reece Walsh among its NRL-playing alumni.
Whilst his schooling didn’t change his allegiance as a fan, Bula has not committed his playing future to either state.
The rising star admitted he is definitely aspiring for a future Origin call-up but “wasn’t sure” which side he would choose, admitting that his eligibility is “complicated”.
Bula has family links to country NSW.
The Tiger is adamant that his club co-captain Koroisau deserves a spot in the NSW game two side hunting a series victory at the MCG.
“He’s been one of the best hookers in the game,” Bula said.
“He showed that when he’s been playing for us, that he played at that speed, played at that level.”
Debuting for NSW in game three 2021, Koroisau also featured in the 2022 and 2023 editions for the Blues.
The 33-year-old’s opportunity for game one selection was hampered after the hooker copped a three-game suspension for a hip-drop tackle during the Tigers’ win over Canberra.
The Tigers have sorely missed their captain, losing the next three games by a whopping 98 points, before Koroisau rejoined the side and contributed to a win over Canterbury.
As a spine player, Jock Madden has loved learning from the experienced Koroisau.
“He’s such a craft player, I think he obviously has and will thrive in that arena, both with attack and defence,” Madden said.
“He’s just such an encouraging and great leader to have amongst the boys, especially for young boys as well.
“Every time he speaks, everyone listens to him.”
Before Origin, the Tigers will have a serious challenge when they take on ladder-leading Penrith this weekend.
“I think we just need to focus on our process and do what we do best and play our style of footy,” Bula said.
“Playing the physical game and putting pressure on them and letting the points come.”
AAP