Sharks star emerges as 'bolter' for Blues side
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.
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.
Jesse Ramien catches the ball.
“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.”
Jesse Ramien jumps on Sione Katoa as the Sharks celebrate a try.
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.