Powerhouse Penrith winger Josh Mansour has been named to make his Origin debut in Game 1 of this year’s series, to be played next Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium.
Having earned an Australian Test jersey in the 2014 Four Nations series, Mansour’s NSW selection caps a momentous comeback from a plethora of injuries that derailed his 2015 season.
While clearly overwhelmed and elated to have finally realised his Origin dream, Mansour says he wouldn’t have been in contention to make the team without the belief of his Penrith teammates.
“It’s a massive achievement. I’m speechless. I still don’t know what to make of it,” Mansour exclaimed.
“It’s obviously been one of my goals and getting this opportunity that I’ve worked extremely hard for, I’m so thankful.
“My performances have come off the back of the team and I’m grateful for the team in giving me the confidence every week. I’m rapped.”
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Mansour said that while he and his teammates had heard plenty of talk concerning possible Origin selection, he refuted claims the selection hype may have been a contributing factor to yesterday’s shock home loss to the Gold Coast Titans.
Instead, he said Penrith paid the price for not paying enough respect to their opposition.
“There was talk going around (surrounding Origin) but I’m sure like all our boys we were focused (on the Titans game),” Mansour said.
“While I had my fingers crossed, I didn’t think much about it to be honest. I’ve only been thinking about my job here at Penrith.
“All the senior players and obviously the coaching staff were really pushing to focus on the Titans game.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t finish strongly and that we should have put the game away earlier on.
“Our defence wasn’t up to scratch and we let in a lot of soft tries. That comes to not giving the opposition enough respect.
“Coming back home we were a bit too confident, which shows you’ve got to respect every NRL team you come up against, and I don’t think we did that.”
Mansour also confirmed he has begun talks with Penrith regarding his future at the club post-2016.
“We are working on that at the moment,” Mansour said.
“I’ve been happy with my form at this point, but hopefully I can get my future sorted soon and only have to just worry about my footy alone.”
andrew
Guest
What evidence do you have that he will provide grunt coming off his own line? He hasn't done that at all this year. The kid playing below him in Holden Cup (Tuisese) runs with more grunt. He plays on the end of the team who create the most second phase play in the comp and he hasn't cashed in. His form has been ordinary on the whole and he is clearly in on reputation not on form. My guess would be that with the Origin bump meaning he will ask for more $$ in contract negotiations, the Panthers will see hhim as replaceable and let him go.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Given the current capacity of defenders to block off the drop of the ball, his troubles under the high ball are less significant than his capacity to make ground running -- Tupou just runs too high and always gets driven back by swarming defence.
jimmmy
Guest
I think he is the right. Choice. As long as he doesn't overplay his hand and concentrates on his job. He is a brute of a ball carrier.
The RiffMarn Stew Moses
Roar Guru
Anyone is iffy under the high ball if you get your kick chase team close enough to the defender while Mansour's defence in 2016 has improved on previous years. Is far more selective with the offload in 2016 as well. At least we have someone on the wing who will provide the grunt when coming off their own try line as well.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Great kick returner but iffy under the high ball and on line defence. Hopefully doesn't turn out like Akuila Uate's Kangaroo and Blues appearances. I expect Qld will be attacking his wing a lot if they do get in the attacking zone. I think though with that Blues forward pack it will be tough for the Maroons to get there.