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Jacob Kiraz has revealed the inspiring message delivered by NSW coach Laurie Daley after he was called into Blues camp last week.
The Bulldogs winger was among the leading contenders for a place in the team for Game One in Brisbane before he suffered a calf injury in the Bulldogs' final match before the side was named.
Kiraz trained with the team last week after a hamstring niggle to Brian To'o sent a scare through the Blues camp, however the incumbent looks set to take his place in the side in Wednesday night's clash with the Maroons.
Having now come close to a State of Origin debut on two occasions, Kiraz said the experience has motivated him to play his way into a NSW jumper in the future.
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Daley on team updates
"You want to be in those kinds of camps," Kiraz said. "I was very fortunate Loz wanted me to fill in for Bizza when he wasn't there. It was a good experience, I took a lot away from it. Hopefully one day, I'll be there.
"[Daley] kind of said, you're playing great football and if you keep doing what you're doing, you never know what's around the corner. He said hopefully that one day [I'll get an opportunity], that inspired me.
"When you know you're pretty close, it inspires you more and you just want to go out there and keep playing good. It was good from him to recognise me and call me up and I'm pretty happy."
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 2 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Kiraz's calf strain wasn't the first time an injury had denied a representative debut, with a back issue ruling the 23-year-old out of last year's Pacific Championships.
The winger had been selected in a wider Kangaroos squad after a breakout year for the Bulldogs, where he scored 12 tries and rocketed into Mal Meninga's calculations.
The injury was a devastating blow for Kiraz, but a lengthy journey to the NRL has helped the youngster maintain a sense of perspective.
"It's just a part of footy," he said. "Last year I dealt with a back injury and a hip injury. I always said in the off-season I just wanted to get it right. Luckily, I avoided surgery.
"Honestly, it's good just getting recognised. I'm so happy getting recognised by good coaches like Mal, Loz. I'm in the frame and that makes me happy.
"I was upset at the time, that I couldn't be part of those squads but I honestly believe everything happens for a reason. When my time is right, it's right. I'm just happy getting the recognition and one day I know I'll be able to represent them."
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Jacob Kiraz's top attacking plays from 2024
Kiraz overcame an injury scare on Sunday afternoon to lead Canterbury past the Rabbitohs in a weather-delayed contest at Accor Stadium.
While still willing to answer a late SOS from Daley should To'o be a late scratching, the winger is set to enjoy a brief break as the Bulldogs have the bye this weekend.
Canterbury will return to the field with a Thursday-night showdown against the Panthers in Round 17.
The Bulldogs are flying at the top of the ladder and will welcome back their Origin players for the clash.
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Toby Sexton Try
Kiraz's rapid rise has mirrored his club after they snapped an eight-year finals drought in 2024.
The winger endured a torrid journey that took him from Canterbury to St George, Townsville and Newcastle before eventually returning to Belmore and making his NRL debut in 2022.
Having experienced plenty of hardship along the way, Kiraz is determined to make the most of the Bulldogs' recent run of success.
"I'm very blessed and my route probably wasn't the most simple route to get to the NRL," Kiraz said. "I had to work hard.
"I'm very lucky with the Bulldogs, it could've been any other club, but I'm very glad that I made my debut for the Bulldogs and now I'm here with the Bulldogs."
