With only weeks until the 2024 State of Origin teams are selected, a new contender has emerged for coach Michael Maguire‘s Blues side.
Cronulla Sharks star Jesse Ramien is that man, with reports suggesting he’s entered the mix to receive a call-up.
Coach Maguire, who is taking over the side after former coach Brad Fittler‘s six years at the helm, has reportedly contacted the centre to inform him of the available opportunity.
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Speaking during the half-time show on Nine, 9news and Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas revealed that Maguire will be “keeping a close eye” on Ramien’s performances over the coming weeks.
”Coach Michael Maguire has had a phone call with Jesse Ramien about his future in the NSW jumper. He wanted to let Ramien know that he has a chance at being selected for Origin I,” Chammas said.
“He is a bolter for that side … Maguire will be keeping a close eye on how he performs over the coming weeks.”
If selected, Ramien will likely make his Origin debut in the centres with Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton.
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Other contenders for the position include incumbent centres Tom Trbojevic, Bradman Best, and Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell, who missed the entirety of the 2023 Origin series after suffering a calf injury.
Former NSW captain Paul Gallen believes 27-year-old Ramien is a strong contender to don the Blues jersey and “wouldn’t be surprised” if he was named.
“It’s not surprising to me, he’d handle it. He’s a big strong bloke,” Gallen said on Nine.
“He is one of the best centres without a doubt at bringing the ball out from the backfield.
“As far as his defence goes, he is rock solid … there is no way that he would let anyone down.
“If he made it, it wouldn’t surprise me, you could probably call him a bolter but I think he would do the job.”
Women’s rugby league pioneer and Wallaroos star Ruan Sims agreed with Gallen, claiming that having such a “powerful” athlete in the NSW lineup will be a significant asset for the Blues.
“To have a body like that to bring the ball out of trouble is so powerful,” she said.
“He enjoys the contact but he’s got really good late footwork as well … I think that’s a pretty great phone call to be getting, especially before the game.”
The 2024 State of Origin series will kick off on Wednesday, June 5 at Accor Stadium.