The labourers and flyers erased from Origin - the NRL's best who could do it at state
Performing on an Origin level takes grit and intensity beyond clubland – that’s all we hear from immortal and Blues legend Andrew Johns.
Although just because one hasn’t performed on the state stage, doesn’t mean they couldn’t lift to a level greater than regular round standard.
Addin Fonua-Blake on a rampage. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
The NRL is flooded with quality players – who may not be discussed in the same group as Wally Lewis and Mal Meninga, but are immortalised in hard work indexes, yet forever in the shadow of Origin.
Whether that be from selection woes or international ineligibility, here are a few of the NRL’s Origin worthy characters. Those to make the Prime Minister’s XIII, but on a state forum.
- Jack De Belin
I know, De Belin has three Origin games under his belt. Yet, it seems those days are over for the 33-year-old, at a time where he could still perform.
De Belin has been back in the NRL since 2021, following a near 1000 day hiatus. Had he not have left the NRL, he may have been an Origin stalwart for NSW.
For a 30-year-old to return as a professional rugby league player, De Belin’s return has been enormous. The Dragons lock is a model of consistency and such a labourer.
He is a brick in defence and strong as an ox in attack. De Belin has a smart footy brain and knows when to move into a ball-playing role, which unfortunately has not received full support from an inconsistent St. George Illawarra outfit.
Filling in at prop, the blond brute has a great offloading ability and rarely makes an error. Each week, it is expected De Belin will come out blowing through tireless tradesman-like action, and that he does.
2. Victor Radley
When declaring he would play for England in the World Cup, Radley involuntarily ruled himself out of a NSW jumper. It is a shame for Blues fans, as the Rooster brings the aggression and effort that Origin demands.
Radley can fill in anywhere in the backrow and makes his presence felt. The 26-year-old is becoming more disciplined with age, which has in turn refined his game and helped settle his erratic tendencies.
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Knowing his best is yet to come, it’s hard to fathom how the Clovelly junior will at this stage, never be rewarded with a NSW debut.
The Tricolours staple is a defensive powerhouse, line-running nugget and always packs a punch, making him the perfect bench player for Origin.
In an arena that evokes emotion, Radley would light up in Blue.
3. Joseph Manu
Wow, imagine Manu in an Origin decider. The Kiwi international obviously will never get that opportunity, but he inherits every characteristic to thrive in such a scenario.
Manu is a big game specialist and causes chaos on an edge, through his offload game, physicality and skilful step.
At 27, it’s a shame to see the talent head to rugby union, where he will undoubtedly succeed.
The passion he brings to international rugby league showcases the drive and emotion he plays with.
Manu was a major part of the Kiwis’ pacific cup upset of the Kangaroos in 2023 – the centre helped New Zealand land a historic 30-0 victory over a prestigious Australian outfit.
4. Addin Fonua-Blake
The 2023 Dally M prop of the year is a monster. Put him in a state jersey and that intimidation factor would only escalate.
Fonua-Blake is a dynamite forward of the game and is full of aggression. Barnstorming carries and a delicate touch make him the perfect Origin prop – but the Tongan international will never get the chance.
While his 2024 form has been rather sub-par in comparison to his competition-best years, AFB has the ability to turn it up loud.
Amp him up with a few volts of Queensland spirit and the Warrior would send blokes flying. Imagine Fonua-Blake blitzing off the back fence at Liam Martin or Payne Haas, wow.
5. Jordan Rapana
Fans may coin this selection a little dicey. Ask yourself what constitutes a passionate player in Origin, and apart from living in the state of NSW or Queensland – Rapana has it all.
What most people forget, Jordan Rapana began his career in 2008 with the Titans. Rapana then voluntarily exiled himself from rugby league, going on a Mormon journey and trying his hand at rugby union with the Western Force.
Rapana returned to the NRL in 2014 and never left. The Raider puts in an incredible amount of effort every round, and plays with an attitude beyond compare.
The at times hot head would be the perfect Queensland or NSW back, performing crazy finishes and firing up in defence.
6. Dylan Brown
Cameron Munster has shown how it works. While the Maroon is a higher quality player than Brown, the Eels No.6 can pull off Origin quality footy.
Brown is a damaging ball runner as a five-eighth and is powerful in defence. While not a strong kicker, the Kiwi international lets his feet do the talking through a great step.
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The 24-year-old is still an untapped resource and has played the majority of his career in a patchy Parramatta side.
With the ball in hand, he plays best when the No.7 takes charge, allowing him to create space and take on the line.