NSW coach Brad Fittler has named six young guns that are in contention to make his 27-man squad for the upcoming Origin series in November.
Speaking on Wide World of Sports, the Blues coach said there is a host of exciting, fresh talent in the league that will likely make their representative debut's in 2020.
Fittler personally named St George centre Zac Lomax, Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, Rabbitohs winger Campbell Graham, Brisbane centre Kotoni Staggs, Knights centre Bradman Best and Cronulla centre Jesse Ramien as prospects in line for a NSW call up.
“He’s (Papenhuyzen) been outstanding,” Fittler told 2GB Radio.
“There are some young blokes: Zac Lomax, Campbell Graham, Bradman Best before he went away.
“Jesse Ramien’s last couple of weeks have been great.
“There’s been some really good up and comers, especially centres and wingers - Kotoni Staggs has been outstanding.
“There’s plenty of competition coming through.”
Fittler seems to be pressing for depth in the centre position with Latrell Mitchell ruled out pf the series, despite Tom trbojevic and Jack Wighton set to be named in the squad.
Graham could line up as a winger for Fittler, while Staggs, Ramien, Lomax and Best fight for the remaining centre positions.
While extended squads are set to be named at the conclusion of round 20, it is believed many key figures may opt out of the November series after the announcement both squads would be forced into another bubble, potentially opening the door for several debuts for both states.
Great bunch of players
However..
Pappy is a fullback and currently would be competing with Tedesco Gutho Mitchell and Turbo. Hasn’t played centre or wing.
Ramien I think is over rated. Has good size and ability but show it often enough. Often looks like he’s just bullying than being unstoppable.
Kotoni looks solid and will one day okay SOO but for now he is way to weak defensively. Yes he scores solo tries on a terrible team but that terrible team also lets in easy tries and Staggs is apart of that.
Best is still abit young and unproven. Doesn’t help he got injured and hasn’t played recently.
Campbell Graham is probably the less XFactor player in the list but is probably the most consistent. Can play either centre or wing, has height and is an aerial threat. Is in good form on a solid team.
Lastly Zac Lomax, 100% will play origin in the future. Also a handy goal kicker however Cleary will kicks goals but is good to make a back up if needed. Needs to just co to us to improve and polish his game but will be here soon.
I’d be tossing up between Lomax and Graham, maybe Pappy but he needs to add some versatility