The naming of Terry Campese in coach Ricky Stuart’s emerging Blues squad has provided a significant boost to his aspirations of reviving his New South Wales Origin career.
Among this year’s 23 hopefuls, Campese stands out alongside fellow Raiders playmaker Josh McCrone and spirited Warriors five-eighth James Maloney, as selections that Stuart believes can exert pressure on the current players.
Although Campese managed only one half of football before suffering a knee re-injury last June, he has received an encouraging vote of confidence for a potential Origin recall, stemming from his sole appearance in 2009.
Stuart has also expressed considerable trust in the recent Scrumbase duo of Jamie Soward and Mitchell Pearce, maintaining that pairing throughout all three games in last year’s series.
However, the prospect of a seventh consecutive series loss will rekindle discussions regarding who should lead the NSW attack against the Maroons’ Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk.
Preparations for his long-awaited return in the Albury trial against the Melbourne Storm next month have been Campese’s priority, and he remained unaware of the squad’s impending assembly until rumors emerged earlier this week.
Joined by Raiders teammates Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Blake Ferguson, and McCrone, the 27-year-old is set to travel the Hume Highway to the Blues’ traditional base in Coogee next weekend.
Other notable names expected to attend the camp include Manly’s budding talent Darcy Lussick, Gold Coast Titans’ thrilling Ryan James, and Wests Tigers utility Tim Moltzen, with anticipated insights from NSW legends like Steve Roach and Trent Barrett.
“I’ve focused on rehabilitating my injuries and preparing myself in the best possible condition for the trials, so I was completely unaware of the camp,” Campese remarked.
“Upon learning about it, I was quite surprised, but it’s fantastic to be considered. My main concentration is still on rejoining Canberra, yet several players who attended last year’s camp told me it felt reassuring to know you’re on the radar,” he added.
Stuart’s latest selection represents a significant reduction from last year’s inaugural squad of 51 players, which included various Toyota Cup talents without NRL experience.
Additionally, there’s greater emphasis on the front-row, another area where the Blues have historically struggled against their opponents, other than Paul Gallen’s extraordinary performance in Origin II last year.
Among the 12 forwards chosen, eight are props, with only Dragons bookend Trent Merrin boasting Origin experience.
Another notable inclusion is the giant from Manly, Tony Williams.
Emerging Blues Squad
Forwards:
Luke Douglas
Andrew Fifita
Tim Grant
Aaron Woods
Dan Hunt
Trent Merrin
Darcy Lussick
Tony Williams
Tariq Sims
Joel Thompson
Ryan James
Ryan Hinchcliffe
Backs:
Terry Campese
James Moloney
Tim Moltzen
Josh McCrone
Kyle Stanley
Blake Ayshford
Blake Ferguson
Jarrod Croker
Michael Gordon
Lachlan Coote
BJ Leilua
by Buford Balony
