He has positioned himself as the leading contender for a spot on the wing.
Canterbury Bulldogs outside back Jacob Kiraz has voiced his desire to represent the NSW Blues in the State of Origin arena, with Game One of the 2025 series fast approaching.
Following a standout 2024 season that earned him a spot in the Australian Pacific Championships squad—though he ultimately withdrew—Kiraz missed the early rounds of this year due to injury. However, he made a strong return in Round 5 against the Newcastle Knights, racking up 181 running metres from 17 carries, along with three tackle breaks and five offloads.
Now, with less than two months until the series opener between NSW and Queensland, Kiraz has emerged as the top choice to step in on the wing following Zac Lomax’s injury setback.
Tipped to potentially start opposite Brian To’o, the Bulldogs star made it clear he’s ready for the challenge and wouldn’t disappoint if given the call-up.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have those Origin aspirations,” Kiraz told Zero Tackle. “It’s been a dream since I was a kid. Once you’re playing first-grade, those bigger goals become real, and of course I want to wear that jersey.
“I know I won’t let the state down. Whenever the time is right, it’s in God’s hands—and I’ll be ready.”
Kiraz faces competition from Daniel Tupou, Jack Bostock, and Sunia Turuva, but the Lebanon international has earned the support of former Maroons greats Mat Rogers and Scott Sattler in his bid for a Blues jersey.
