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Another Penrith Panther drafted into Blues Origin camp

(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Penrith hooker Api Koroisau will travel to Perth for the second State of Origin match and looks set to play for NSW for the second time.

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After incumbent hooker Damien Cook performed poorly in the series-opening 16-10 defeat to Queensland in Sydney, NSW coach Brad Fittler confirmed Koroisau had been added to the squad.

“(Koroisau) will be coming into the squad, he’ll be coming to Perth,” Fittler told the Nine Network’s Sunday Footy Show.

“He’s great company, very competitive and a great player.”

Fittler hinted Koroisau’s Panthers teammate Stephen Crichton would likely come into the starting side in place of Jack Wighton, who has been ruled out through COVID-19 protocols.

“There’s no easy fixes (for Wighton’s absence) but the fact is Stephen Crichton can play in many positions,” Fittler said.

“He’s a talented bloke.”

Fittler kept his cards close to his chest as to whether there would be space in the side for Canterbury duo Matt Burton and Josh Addo-Carr, both of whom are flourishing under interim coach Mick Potter.

Addo-Carr has scored five tries in two games since being snubbed for Origin I, while Burton could bring the kind of versatility that Fittler has repeatedly stressed is important to the Blues’ set-up.

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Fittler said he would wait until after the Bulldogs’ game with Wests Tigers on Sunday afternoon at CommBank Stadium to finalise his team.

“I’ll be out there watching the game. I can’t wait,” he said.

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Another 7 hours ago
Razor's 2024 All Blacks Christmas wish list

"It seems like the idea of Ardie Savea moving to openside flanker is no longer on the table"


Says who? Savea was picked on the open side, with Wallace Sititi at 8, against France. It makes no difference to Savea’s game, whatsoever and allows Sititi to play in his preferred position. It also provides an option to bring in a third loose forward that may provide a better lineout option and a big body to compete with some of the big bodies found in other teams.


It was unfortunate that Finau was injured so early on against France before he had a chance to show how he might combine with Savea and Sititi, and there is still a possibility that Hoskins Sotutu might be effective alongside them too.


Don’t count out viable options.

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