Canberra Raiders Blake Austin and Jack Wighton are among a list of 17 NRL prospects who have been selected today in NSW VB Blues coach Laurie Daley’s 2016 Emerging Blues camp.
Austin was a revelation of the 2015 season and was considered unlucky by some to miss out on a NSW Origin berth. Wighton continued his dazzling development in 2015, cementing his spot at fullback and positioning himself as an Origin star of the future.
The talented squad will come together at ANZ Stadium on Saturday (January 16) at a camp designed to provide players with an insight into what it takes to play State of Origin for New South Wales.
“These guys are players who are obviously very talented and we believe they have the potential to be Origin players,” Daley said.
“It’s nice for them to be able to come into our environment and see how we go about things.
“Hopefully they will get something out of the camp and it makes them more determined to be a part of the 2016 Holden State of Origin series.”
Other noteworthy selections include James Tedesco, Adam Reynolds, Dylan Walker and Tyson Frizell.
The one-day camp covers a number of aspects including physical and mental preparation as well as team culture.
“The camp will give these players an indication of what we are all about,” Daley said.
“If they make the side it helps them walk into an environment they are somewhat familiar with – so when they arrive in camp they know what we do and how we go about it.”
2016 Emerging Blues squad:
James Roberts Brisbane Broncos
Blake Austin Canberra Raiders
Jack Wighton Canberra Raiders
Aiden Tolman Canterbury Bulldogs
Wade Graham Cronulla Sharks
Ryan James Gold Coast Titans
Dylan Walker Manly Sea Eagles
Tariq Sims Newcastle Knights
Nathan Peats Parramatta Eels
Matt Moylan Penrith Panthers
Alex Johnston South Sydney Rabbitohs
Adam Reynolds South Sydney Rabbitohs
Tyson Frizell St George Illawarra Dragons
Jack De Belin St George Illawarra Dragons
Blake Ferguson Sydney Roosters
Kane Evans Sydney Roosters
James Tedesco Wests Tigers
