Having played the last six State of Origin matches on the wing for the NSW Blues, Zac Lomax's departure to rugby union means the state is in need of a new winger for this series.

There are many options for the Blues in Daniel Topou, Josh Addo-Carr and Mark Nawaqantiwase, but the man most likely to be picked is Jacob Kiraz.

The 18th man for the decider last season, Kiraz is shaping up to make his Origin debut in the first game of this season's series and vowed to not let his state down if given the opportunity.

"There's Origin goals there but at the end of the day, I always say if I'm playing good footy for the Bulldogs, and we're going well as a team, it'll just pick itself," he said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

"I know once I get the opportunity, I won't let the state down and the boys down, but at the end of the day… I'm trying to play good footy for the boys and do what's best for my teammates.

"Those goals are in the background, and, like I said, if I do get the opportunity, I know I won't let anyone down."

NRL Rd 23 - Dragons v Bulldogs
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Jacob Kiraz of the Bulldogs looks on during the round 23 NRL match between St George Illawarra Dragons and Canterbury Bulldogs at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, on August 10, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

As stated, Kiraz was 18th man for the decider and had an opportunity to train in the Blues camp under the eyes of coach Laurie Daley, so it is almost guaranteed the 24-year-old will be at least present in Origin camp for the series opener.

Also in the 24-year-old's favour is his combination at club level with Stephen Crichton, an incumbent at centre for the Blues, giving Daley the option to replicate the Bulldogs' right edge in the Origin arena.

This season's State of Origin series kicks off on May 27 at Accor Stadium in Sydney.