FORMER-Milton-Ulladulla Bulldog Jack Murchie and Gerringong Lion Reuben Garrick have been named in the NSW under 20s side to take on Queensland in the State of Origin one curtain-raiser, on Wednesday, May 31 at Suncorp Stadium.
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Both Murchie, a forward for the Canberra Raiders, and Garrick, an outside back for the St George-Illawarra Dragons, have been picked in the Danny Buderus coached side on the back of their strong form in the National Youth Competition this season.
“It means so much to me to be able to represent my state,” Murchie said.
“I've grown up watching State of Origin as a kid and I've always dreamt of running out in a Blues jersey - so I can't wait get out there.”
Murchie was selected in the second-row, alongside South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Cameron Murray and Sydney Roosters’ Nat Butcher
“I think my aggression will help us out there on the field come game day,” he said.
“The most important thing will be to do my job given to me by the coaches - if all the boys do that we should go well.”
The side will be looking to continue the state's dominance in the fixture; NSW has won all five of the under 20s Origin games played to date, including the 36-22 victory in 2016.
“I'm expecting a lot of the camp to be focused around getting us to gel together as mates and I believe strong footy will come off the back off that,” Muchie said.
“The camp will be a awesome experience and I intend to learn as much as I can.
“It feels like home for me - heading to Kiama for the camp, so that should translate into a good preparation as we build into the game.
“It's exciting just getting to play with all the boys in the side as their is a lot of talent there but I’m probably most looking forward to playing with Reuben Garrick.
“Reuben is a good mate of mine from way back, so it will be good to get out their on the same side again.”
The squad also involves another Group 7-product Jai Field, who is an Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles junior.
The NSW under 20s side:
1. Nick Meaney (Newcastle Knights)
2. Isaac Lumelume (Cronulla Sharks)
3. Jesse Ramien (Cronulla Sharks)
4. Curtis Scott (Melbourne Storm)
5. Reuben Garrick (St George-Illawarra Dragons)
6. Jai Field (St George-Illawarra Dragons)
7. Troy Dargan (Parramatta Eels)
8. Emre Guler (Canberra Raiders)
9. Reece Robson (St George-Illawarra Dragons)
10. Blake Lawrie (St George-Illawarra Dragons)
11. Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
12. Jack Murchie (Canberra Raiders)
13. Nat Butcher (Sydney Roosters)
14. Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)
15. Ray Stone (Parramatta Eels)
16. Stefano Hala (Penrith Panthers)
17. Billy Magoulias (Cronulla Sharks)
18. Jai Whitbread (Brisbane Broncos)