With multiple players from the Westpac NSW Blues ranking among the NRL’s top goal-kickers, and additional options available, the State of Origin coach Michael Maguire finds himself spoiled for choice as Game One of the 2024 Ampol State of Origin draws closer.
The absence of their primary goal-kicker Nathan Cleary due to a hamstring injury last month hasn’t dampened the Blues’ hopes of putting points on the board after scoring a try or penalty.
In a display of the team’s depth, centre Stephen Crichton mentioned that the Blues coaching staff set up kicking tees and balls during training sessions for a mini competition among six players vying for the kicking responsibilities before the posts.
“It was quite amusing and exciting to see so many choices for goal-kicking duties,” Crichton shared following the conclusion of the NSW Blues’ four-day training stint at the Blue Mountains Grammar School over the weekend.
Although Crichton hasn’t had kicking duties for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs this season, he previously demonstrated his prowess by slotting 74 goals in four seasons as the backup kicker for Cleary at Penrith.
Among the contenders, NSW Blues’ halfback Nicho Hynes ranks second in the NRL with 41 goals in 10 games, while Matt Burton holds the seventh spot with 33 goals. Additionally, winger Zac Lomax secures eighth place with 30 goals, and Dylan Edwards follows closely in ninth position with 27 goals.
Following some quad soreness after the recent training session, Edwards’ condition remains under observation, though Crichton and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are both listed in the named 17.
Regarding kicking duties, Crichton asserted, “We had a session focused on goal-kicking recently, and with such a strong pool of kickers, whoever takes the responsibility will undoubtedly perform well.”
Expressing his confidence in the team, Crichton revealed his personal choice for the role – Zac Lomax, known for maintaining an impressive 76.9% kicking accuracy rate in the NRL.
Reflecting on Maguire’s impact as the coach for the 2024 Origin series, Crichton admitted initial reservations about the perceived stern persona of the coach. However, his interactions with Maguire during the camp have dispelled those concerns, with Crichton appreciating Maguire’s emphasis on unity and connection within the team.
The introduction of former True Blues players to share their Origin experiences has served as a source of inspiration for the current squad. “Learning about the history of the jersey from these legends has instilled a sense of pride and motivation among us. We aspire to leave a legacy and uphold the traditions of the Blues jersey for generations to come,” Crichton remarked.