Dumped NSW forward Luke Lewis isn’t waiting for an SOS call from coach Laurie Daley for the State of Origin decider – but that doesn’t mean he won’t pick up the phone.
Daley could be on the lookout for a new utility after second-rower Josh Jackson was put on report for a lifting tackle in Canterbury’s 24-12 win over Penrith on Saturday night.
The NRL match review committee’s charge sheet comes out on Monday.
And should the 24-year-old cop anything more than a one-game ban, Lewis could be in line for a recall after yet another vintage performance for Cronulla in their 30-28 comeback victory over Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
Lewis, 31, has yet to appear in this year’s series after being dropped for game one in Sydney.
“If you get picked then you definitely take the opportunity,” he said.
“But I know `Loz’ is trying to build a new team by getting young guys in there and I totally understand that.
“I’m all for what’s best for NSW. I’m enjoying my footy at Cronulla at the moment so we’ll see how it goes.”
Lewis proved just how valuable a utility he can be after winding back the clock to score a match-turning try from the wing that kickstarted Cronulla’s avalanche of points.
The former winger found space down the sideline before sending the ball back infield and then backing up Ben Barba to take the final pass for the try.
“I remember I coached him in the Junior Kangaroos team. Luke Rooney and Luke Lewis were the two wingers I had in the team,” Sharks coach Shane Flanagan recalled post-game.
“It was a fair team. Johnathan Thurston halfback, Cameron Smith the hooker, so I can remember back then and he still has some good wheels under him, Luke.
“He can run when he has to and just to keep pushing and pushing and to come up with the try in the end was special for him. I thought he was great. He led by example like the senior player he is.”
Lewis’ touchdown could’ve been an eight-point try after Knights forward Tariq Sims was put on report for whacking him on the jaw in the act of scoring.
Lewis said Sims had apologised after the tackle, then nominated him as the more likely replacement should Jackson be rubbed out of the decider.
“I did get hit pretty hard around the jaw but I know (he) didn’t mean it,” he said.
“He even said sorry to me after it and then after the game as well.
“Tariq’s playing good footy, he’s a good young kid and he’s definitely going to be (in Origin) in the future.
“I’m not really thinking about Origin at all to be honest.
“I just hope the boys get the win and keep that trophy here.”
Bonza
Guest
Lewis is one of the leading try scorers this year for a forward, 7 with Gavin Cooper. Plus he's a big game player and probably should've been in there to start with. He brings a lot to the table.
Mac
Guest
Of course Lewis should replace J Jackson for the decider. Picking anyone else would be stupid...
Renegade
Roar Guru
Haha you know i've been on your side of the fence when it comes to the value of what Slater & Smith represent to any rugby league team ;) Looking forward to game 3 mate!
V.O.R.
Guest
I don't care what they say...you're a good sport ;)
Renegade
Roar Guru
Yeah righto Jara and V.O.R, Tell me how many times i've stated Slater, Smith or Thurston are too old....? I'll answer it for you - ZERO (in numerics- 0). Are you sure you didn't have this conversation about age with your other head? :P
V.O.R.
Guest
Hey Jara W... Yer it was too easy... ;). I bet Slater, Smith, Thurston et al are sleeping better now that the Roar's greatest minds have shifted camp...age is no barrier..but only if you are born South of the Tweed it seems...lol.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Ridiculous. Cordner was one of NSW's best in Game II - if you didn't see his impact you don't know much about footy.
Jara W
Guest
Hook, line, sinker! Well played Sir. Think they made it a bit easy on you though.
Jimbo Jones
Guest
OK well NSW won't pick him if Thurston isn't picked for QLD..
Samtwocan
Guest
I would think the "too old" argument is redundant when you look at the age of the QLD team , and you don't just play guys on age .
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Age is but a number VOR
Renegade
Roar Guru
Gal's 34 and still smashing them so I can't see why Lewis would be too old... His been in great form and lifted that bit more since being excluded from NSW.
V.O.R.
Guest
But he's 32 in August. He can't possibly be at the top of his game at that age. Getting too old for Origin.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Lewis has arguably been the form second rower in the comp this season... That's why he was picked for Australia - it beggars belief that he wasn't picked for the blues. you can't change a winning combination so it's too late now.... Id prefer he play for the Sharks anyway ;)
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Sims deserves a spot? You sure you're not a Wynnum Manly fan there Brett?
Muzz
Guest
Why make such major changes to a winning team?
Brett the Manly Fan
Guest
Well I am all for him coming back. I say Josh Jackson and Boyd Cordner make way for Andrew Fafita and Luke Lewis. Boyd Cordner is a great player but I just don't see the impact yet, plus I think Tariq Sims deserves a spot. Josh Jackson isn't very good and he is not intimidating