NSW have called Jacob Kiraz into camp as cover for Brian To’o, with the Penrith winger reporting hamstring soreness one week out from State of Origin II.
Blues officials insisted on Wednesday that Kiraz’s call up was only precautionary, with NSW medical staff keen to keep To’o off his feet on Thursday.
Jacob Kiraz (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
To’o is believed to have pulled up sore from Penrith’s win over Wests Tigers on Sunday, and has battled two hamstring injuries earlier this year.
NSW are confident the Samoan winger will be fine to train on Saturday, before the team flies to Perth on Sunday and attempts to wrap up the series next Wednesday.
The Blues have an opposed session against The Entrance’s Ron Massey Cup team on Thursday, and want a natural winger to feature in the game.
Kiraz has not previously featured in a NSW squad, but the Canterbury flyer was favoured to win a spot on the wing for game one before a calf injury ruled him out.
NSW do have other outside backs in camp with Brisbane centre Kotoni Staggs and Penrith winger Tom Jenkins brought in as extra training bodies earlier in the week.
