Bad Billy
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DAVE Klemmer has been outed as the man to barge his way into a NSW Origin jersey this Sunday as eight forwards fight a Blues Royal Rumble.
NSW great Paul Sironen told The Daily Telegraph Klemmer was “ready for Origin” -- and would play his way into the side against Country at McDonalds Park, Wagga.
“If ‘Klem’ puts his stamp on this weekend’s game he will be part of the Blues pack, no doubt,’’ Sironen said. “He gives NSW size, additional grunt ... he’s ready for Origin.
“And a big game, it gets him in.
t incentive, it’s also open to others. Basically, the forward who plays best on Sunday is earning themselves a Blues jersey.”
So who will it be?
The Daily Telegraph understands as many as eight forwards from both sides remain a genuine chance of winning one, or possibly two, spots for the Origin opener on May 27.
Apart from Klemmer, the other serious contenders are Country lock Josh Jackson, who represented Australia in the recent Four Nations, and City prop Andrew Fifita — who played Origin and six Tests in 2013.
Country boys Tyson Frizell and Joel Thompson are right in the mix, with Ryan James, Tariq Sims and Kade Snowden outside chances.
Asked about his Origin hopes, Klemmer said: “If you play good football Sunday, they’ve got no reason not to pick you.
“But you need to play well. That and have a bit of luck.
“Playing for the Kangaroos last year, I felt like I handled myself out there.
“And if I get the same opportunity for NSW, that would be a dream. I feel ready and if I get the opportunity I won’t worry about anything but doing my job.”
Another NSW great, Country assistant Steve Roach, insisted Jackson be picked for the Blues — particularly if skipper Paul Gallen is sidelined.
The Canterbury backrower has been selected at lock for Country, meaning he will play in the middle rather than on an edge, a move Roach believes is essentially his Origin trial.
“And that’s great to hear, especially coming from someone like Blocker,’’ Jackson said. “Sunday is definitely a genuine trial, with a few spots to be determined.
“And hopefully I’m in the mix. I was NSW 18th man last year but, in saying that, there are so many quality forwards in contention for spots. There’s a lot of work to do.”
Asked what his message to the Country pack would be tomorrow, Roach said: “Go out there and make them pick you, make people say ‘wow’.
“That’s what I want our guys to remember: You’re here, you have the chance.
“But will you go out there and make them pick you?”
Sironen, meanwhile, said Klemmer proved during last year’s Four Nations, where he made three appearances, that he is now ready for Origin football.
“And I know it sounds a bit silly but I played Test footy before Origin too,’’ Sironen said. “So I know how much that can help.
“It’s a step up in intensity playing Origin, no doubt. But having played Test footy, it proves young Klem is ready.
“I think they have him earmarked for a Blues jersey.”
NSW great Paul Sironen told The Daily Telegraph Klemmer was “ready for Origin” -- and would play his way into the side against Country at McDonalds Park, Wagga.
“If ‘Klem’ puts his stamp on this weekend’s game he will be part of the Blues pack, no doubt,’’ Sironen said. “He gives NSW size, additional grunt ... he’s ready for Origin.
“And a big game, it gets him in.
t incentive, it’s also open to others. Basically, the forward who plays best on Sunday is earning themselves a Blues jersey.”
So who will it be?
The Daily Telegraph understands as many as eight forwards from both sides remain a genuine chance of winning one, or possibly two, spots for the Origin opener on May 27.
Apart from Klemmer, the other serious contenders are Country lock Josh Jackson, who represented Australia in the recent Four Nations, and City prop Andrew Fifita — who played Origin and six Tests in 2013.
Country boys Tyson Frizell and Joel Thompson are right in the mix, with Ryan James, Tariq Sims and Kade Snowden outside chances.
Asked about his Origin hopes, Klemmer said: “If you play good football Sunday, they’ve got no reason not to pick you.
“But you need to play well. That and have a bit of luck.
“Playing for the Kangaroos last year, I felt like I handled myself out there.
“And if I get the same opportunity for NSW, that would be a dream. I feel ready and if I get the opportunity I won’t worry about anything but doing my job.”
Another NSW great, Country assistant Steve Roach, insisted Jackson be picked for the Blues — particularly if skipper Paul Gallen is sidelined.
The Canterbury backrower has been selected at lock for Country, meaning he will play in the middle rather than on an edge, a move Roach believes is essentially his Origin trial.
“And that’s great to hear, especially coming from someone like Blocker,’’ Jackson said. “Sunday is definitely a genuine trial, with a few spots to be determined.
“And hopefully I’m in the mix. I was NSW 18th man last year but, in saying that, there are so many quality forwards in contention for spots. There’s a lot of work to do.”
Asked what his message to the Country pack would be tomorrow, Roach said: “Go out there and make them pick you, make people say ‘wow’.
“That’s what I want our guys to remember: You’re here, you have the chance.
“But will you go out there and make them pick you?”
Sironen, meanwhile, said Klemmer proved during last year’s Four Nations, where he made three appearances, that he is now ready for Origin football.
“And I know it sounds a bit silly but I played Test footy before Origin too,’’ Sironen said. “So I know how much that can help.
“It’s a step up in intensity playing Origin, no doubt. But having played Test footy, it proves young Klem is ready.
“I think they have him earmarked for a Blues jersey.”
