Canterbury Bulldogs hit out at State of Origin 18th-man rules after Jacob Kiraz called up by NSW Blues

“Friday night’s clash is still going to be a cracker. Both teams are fighting for top-four spots and there’s genuine quality across both squads.

“We’re fortunate that we have the depth to cover Jacob, so our next-man-up mentality is in full swing.”

The 18th player has been activated just once in Origin history; when Felise Kaufusi replaced the concussed Reece Walsh after a high shot from Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in game one last year.

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said he was focusing on the positives of Kiraz’s selection.

“It was frustrating with ‘Burto’ because it happened so many times,” Ciraldo said. “But with Jacob, it’s his first time in and around that arena, so he will learn a lot from being the 18th man on Wednesday and he’ll come back to our team a better player.”

Ciraldo predicted that if Kiraz was not required on Wednesday night, it would only be a matter of time before he got to run out in a NSW jersey.

“I’ve had enough of talking about the 18th man and Origin, but what I will say is Kiraz deserves to be very close to that stage, and he’s going to learn a lot from being 18th man on Wednesday night,” he said.

“You don’t want to see anyone get injured, but if Kiraz did get an opportunity, he’ll take it with both hands. If it’s not next Wednesday, it will be some time in the future because he’s working so hard, and he’s in a team of guys that are helping him get better every day. When you’re doing that, more guys will get on that stage.”

Ciraldo said the other benefit of Kiraz’s absence is it will allow Enari Tuala to make his debut for the Bulldogs, after playing 105 NRL games for Newcastle and North Queensland.

Loading

“He was probably one of our most impressive guys all pre-season,” Ciraldo said of Tuala.

“Then a week before the trials, he unfortunately broke his foot and missed out on the first half of the season.

“But he’s just so respected, even though he hasn’t played a game of first grade for our group yet, he’s just so respected within our group, the way he prepares, the way he plays, and just the no-nonsense way he is.

“We’re very excited he joined our club this year and very excited to see him get his opportunity.”

NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now

Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.