Young gun’s stunning call-up; call all but made on under-fire prop — Live NSW team

NSW will be sweating on Nathan Cleary being fit to take his place in State of Origin III — and Blues coach Laurie Daley just called young gun Isaiya Katoa into camp, along with Teig Wilton and Jack Williams, while prop Stefano Utoikamanu will reportedly be retained.

Cleary battled a groin injury in a Game Two loss in Perth but came through Penrith’s thrilling win over the Bulldogs on Thursday — though he again did not kick goals, which proved a game-changing problem for the Blues in Origin II. Zac Lomax kicked in Origin II but went 2/5; Stephen Crichton may be the favourite for Origin III, while Latrell Mitchell is another option.

Katoa, 21, was brilliant at halfback again in the Dolphins’ huge win over South Sydney on Saturday night. It remains to be seen if he’s any chance of playing, should Cleary not prove fit, but his call-up up is a huge nod to his rising stardom; he is more than likely there purely for experience in the NSW camp environment.

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The Dolphins halfback told Fox League on Saturday night he’d “definitely” put his hand up if the call from Daley came.

“If Laurie was to give me the call I’d 100% put my body on the line and do anything I can to just be involved in the camp and be around that environment because at the end of the day it’s one with the highest quality of football players in our arena,” Katoa said.

“If that call comes I won’t be saying no and I’ll definitely put my hand up.”

Young forwards Wilton (Cronulla) and Williams (Parramatta) have also been invited to camp, per CODE Sports, though they aren’t in the squad and there just for a taste.

Cleary’s halves partner Jarome Luai, meanwhile, missed Wests Tigers’ defeat against Manly on Friday after being hospitalised with an infection. He has been cleared for Origin III; a welcome result for NSW after already losing Mitchell Moses in the wake of an Origin I victory. Winger Brian To’o (knee) has also been cleared.

Cleary said after Thursday’s game that he felt fit and ready to go, as NSW try to retain the Origin shield on home soil in Sydney.

“It was good. Didn’t really have any scares at all,” he said.

“I think this week I got two solid training sessions in. I’m thankful for the Penrith and NSW physios who put a lot of work into me, which got me into the right headspace to play.”

Nathan Cleary and Stefano Utoikamanu. Source: Getty Images

With the Blues all but winning in Perth, coach Laurie Daley is not expected to make unnecessary changes — and looks set to resist boosting the potency of his pack.

Rabbitohs prop Keaon Koloamatangi has garnered most interest as a potential recall, in place of Storm front-rower Stefano Utoikamanu; who was quiet off the bench in Origin II and then clearly outpointed in a head-to-head battle against his Souths rival last weekend. Koloamatangi had a strong but unspectacular game on Saturday in a thrashing from the Dolphins (86 run metres, 34 tackles). Utoikamanu will reportedly keep his spot provided he emerges fit when the Storm face the Sharks on Sunday afternoon.

Bulldogs prop Max King played just 26 minutes in Origin II after being elevated to start but then ran 141m and made 42 tackles in the loss to Penrith.

NSW bench utility Connor Watson’s place has also been questioned, with a potential switch to Apisai Koroisau touted. Watson had a bye this weekend with the Roosters, missing a final chance to impress.

Payne Haas has declared himself a certain starter after almost missing Origin II. He has been battling a back issue this season, though is still averaging 170 run metres per game for Brisbane.

Connor Watson of the Blues passes the ball during Origin II. Source: Getty Images

PREDICTED NSW TEAM — to be named Sunday night (time TBA)

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Brian To’o

3. Stephen Crichton

4. Latrell Mitchell

5. Zac Lomax

6. Jarome Luai

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Max King

9. Reece Robson

10. Payne Haas

11. Liam Martin

12. Angus Crichton

13. Isaah Yeo (c)

14. Connor Watson

15. Spencer Leniu

16. Hudson Young

17. Stefano Utoikamanu/Keaon Koloamatangi

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