Cameron McInnes in the mix for NSW Blues Origin debut – MASHAHER

ISLAM GAMAL6 March 2024Last Update :
Cameron McInnes in the mix for NSW Blues Origin debut – MASHAHER


All it takes is five minutes with Cameron McInnes to know that he’d be the perfect fit for the Blues this year, with the newly appointed Cronulla co-captain keen to see the jersey “become sacred again” no matter who is chosen to represent NSW.

McInnes, 30, has been part of an extended squad in the past and was chosen for a 36-man camp earlier this year led by new coach Michael Maguire.

The workhorse lock forward has plenty of similarities to Queensland’s Reuben Cotter, who has shone in the State of Origin arena, with the pair playing together for the PM’s XIII last year when McInnes scored a try.

The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

Cameron McInnes gained a lot from his time in Blues camp earlier this year. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!

“It was a special camp,” McInnes said, with NSW desperate to win back the shield after back-to-back series defeats.

“There was a squad of 34 there and a few who couldn’t make it, but whoever gets the opportunity to make the team will be well supported.

“It’s not just about the 17, this is about everyone. It’s all about making sure that blue jersey becomes sacred again. This wouldn’t be my jersey, it would be NSW’s jersey.

“For me, that was a massive takeaway from that camp, and you could tell there was a huge buy-in to be a part of that.

“If that camp is where it ends for me then that’s fine because it was a cool experience.

McInnes and Sharks teammate Blayke Brailey both took part in the camp. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“NSW is blessed with a lot of good back-rowers, so I’ll just put my hand up with how I play for the Sharks each week.

“I’m not trying to sound like a suck-up or anything like that, but it was such a good experience and you just want the best guys running around for NSW. That’s the way we’re all looking at it.”

McInnes will get the chance to impress, with the tackling machine set to start the new season at lock forward, with fellow co-captain Dale Finucane named on the bench for the trip to New Zealand.

The former South Sydney and St George Illawarra hooker is no stranger to the leadership group, having also been the second-youngest man to captain the joint-venture when he was at the Red V in 2020.

MORE NRL NEWS

‘NO CLEAR EVIDENCE’: NRL urged to ‘muzzle’ players to allow Leniu fair hearing

‘THEY ARE SO WEAK’: Bulldogs’ ‘big deficiency’ laid bare as key selection slammed

TEAMS RD 1: Luai returns in big Panthers boost; Storm make call on Munster

‘VOMIT EMOJI’: Wooden spoon heartache driving captain Koroisau’s Tigers rebuild

‘HARD TO COMPREHEND’: Hynes’ powerful support for Mam amid racism storm

McInnes wants to base his leadership style on Wade Graham.Source: Supplied

“It’s a huge honour for a number of reasons,” he said.

“If you look at some of the captains that have come before me, the club has had Gal (Paul Gallen), Wado (Wade Graham) and then of course Dale – they are all amazing leaders.

“This is a special place, and it’s a very unique place.

“I’ve been at a few other clubs, but this one is so hard-working and nothing is too big for anyone. You throw away job descriptions because everyone pitches in. That really resonates with my personality.

“I learnt a lot from my time at the Dragons. I was quite young when I was the captain and we had some good times and some adversity when I was there.

“This is nothing against any of the clubs I’ve been at, but the best captain I’ve been around is Wade Graham.

“The thing about Wado was that it was never about what he needed, it was always about what the team needed. That’s a pretty rare trait that not many people have, and he’s still around, so that’s something I can work on with him.”


Source Agencies

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Comments Rules :

Breaking News