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Papenhuyzen and Luai in NSW Origin squad

3 minute read

Clive Churchill Medallist Ryan Papenhuyzen and Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai have been named in the NSW State of Origin squad before the series opener.

RYAN PAPENHUYZEN
RYAN PAPENHUYZEN Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Melbourne speedster Ryan Papenhuyzen has capped a Clive Churchill Medal-winning performance in the NRL grand final with selection in the NSW State of Origin squad.

The Storm fullback conjured a scintillating second-half try in Melbourne's 26-20 win over Penrith and ran a game-high 187 metres.

Blues coach and Nine Network commentator Brad Fittler couldn't help but give away that the 22-year-old Papenhuyzen was part of his squad for Origin I on November 4.

The Panthers were also rewarded for their stellar season with four players included in the 27-man squad, with five-eighth Jarome Luai a surprise call-up.

While born in Sydney, Luai captained the Junior Kiwis in 2017 against the Junior Kangaroos.

The seven players added to Fittler's group post-match on Sunday are debutant Papenhuyzen and Storm teammates Josh Addo-Carr and Dale Finucane.

As well as Luai, halfback Nathan Cleary, young centre Stephen Crichton and lock Isaah Yeo were also named.

Fittler said there were a couple of places open heading into the opening Origin clash, with Papenhuyzen and Luai locking down their spots on the back of their performances.

He said Crichton's position was confirmed when South Sydney's Campbell Graham was unavailable due to his groin injury.

"There was a couple of spaces open," Fittler said on Nine Network.

"I spoke to Campbell Graham during the week just to see how he was from a point of view of his groin injury and he was no good.

"So Steve Crichton, who was also a big chance of making it anyway, but that confirmed that position.

"Isaah Yeo and his performances over the last couple of weeks... and Nathan has been one of the most outstanding players all year."

Fittler said while he had NSW incumbent fullback James Tedesco and Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson in the squad, Papenhuyzen couldn't be ignored.

"Ryan Papenhuyzen, he was going to make it before today, but when he scored that try, what an appropriate time," Fittler said.

"It was an incredible moment in a grand final. That try is going to be shown for an awful long time."

Fittler said he was still to nail down his 17 to take on Queensland.

Tedesco has been battling a knee injury and Fittler said he would be "given every opportunity" to play.

He thought Papenhuyzen may be suited to an impact role off the bench and he would talk to Storm coach Craig Bellamy about how to best utilise him.

Fittler said 23-year-old Luai had always been in the selection mix.

"I just think on his performance tonight, I think he's a player of the future for NSW and for Penrith and for a long time to come," he said.

"I just thought it would be awesome to bring him."

Played at the end of the season for the first time, the three-match series will be held over subsequent weeks in the Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane.

NSW State of Origin Squad: Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne), Nathan Brown (Parramatta), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Parramatta), Nathan Cleary (Penrith), Damien Cook (South Sydney), Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters), Nick Cotric (Canberra), Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters), Stephen Crichton (Penrith), Dale Finucane (Melbourne), Tyson Frizell (St George Illawarra), Clint Gutherson (Parramatta), Payne Haas (Brisbane), Luke Keary (Sydney Roosters), Zac Lomax (St George Illawarra), Jarome Luai (Penrith), Cameron McInnes (St George Illawarra), Cameron Murray (South Sydney), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Melbourne), Junior Paulo (Parramatta), Daniel Saifiti (Newcastle, James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), Jake Trbojevic (Manly), Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters), Cody Walker (South Sydney), Jack Wighton (Canberra), Isaah Yeo (Penrith)

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