Melbourne speedster Ryan Papenhuyzen has capped a Clive Churchill Medal-winning performance in the NRL grand final with selection in the NSW State of Origin squad.
The Storm fullback conjured a scintillating second half try in Melbourne’s 26-20 win over Penrith, running a game-high 187 metres.
NSW coach and Nine Network commentator Brad Fittler couldn’t help but give away that the 22-year-old Papenhuyzen was part of his squad for Origin I on November 4.
The Panthers were also rewarded for their stellar season with four players named after the grand final in the Blues’ 27-man squad, with five-eighth Jarome Luai a surprise call-up.
While born in Sydney, Luai captained the Junior Kiwis in 2017 against the Junior Kangaroos.
The seven added post-match were debutant Papenhuyzen and Storm teammates, winger Josh Addo-Carr and lock Dale Finucane.
As well as Luai, halfback Nathan Cleary, young centre Stephen Crichton and lock Isaah Yeo were named.
Played at the end of the season for the first time, the three-match series will be played over subsequent weeks in the Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane.
NSW State of Origin Squad: Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne), Nathan Brown (Parramatta), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Parramatta), Nathan Cleary (Penrith), Damien Cook (South Sydney), Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters), Nick Cotric (Canberra), Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters), Stephen Crichton (Penrith), Dale Finucane (Melbourne), Tyson Frizell (St George Illawarra), Clint Gutherson (Parramatta), Payne Haas (Brisbane), Luke Keary (Sydney Roosters), Zac Lomax (St George Illawarra), Jarome Luai (Penrith), Cameron McInnes (St George Illawarra), Cameron Murray (South Sydney), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Melbourne), Junior Paulo (Parramatta), Daniel Saifiti (Newcastle, James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), Jake Trbojevic (Manly), Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters), Cody Walker (South Sydney), Jack Wighton (Canberra), Isaah Yeo (Penrith)
Source:: SportsNews
