Queensland had success with high kicks to the corners in their State of Origin win in Melbourne and the recall of aerial specialist Jeremiah Nanai has added a new arsenal to their weaponry.
The 23-year-old North Queensland second-rower, who stands at 186cm, is one of the best try-scoring exponents in the NRL from bombs.
He is ready to unleash his prowess and cause NSW fullback James Tedesco grief in the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium on July 8.
As a youth, Nanai played a lot of basketball and volleyball. At a previous Origin camp, he told AAP one of his heroes was all-time NBA point scoring record holder Lebron James.
Nanai grabbed two tries in the Cowboys' 26-12 win over Penrith on Saturday, where he bashed down the door for a Maroons recall to play his 12th Origin match. One of those tries was a giant leap above Panthers No.1 Dylan Edwards to score a classic.
Asked whether he would be challenging Blues custodian Tedesco, he issued a warning.
"If I can get my game on then it could cause a bit of trouble there," Nanai said at the Maroons' fan day in Rockhampton.
The Maroons had joy with wingers Selwyn Cobbo and Jojo Fifita scoring off high kicks from five-eighth Cameron Munster in the 44-24 win in Origin II at the MCG. Queensland half Sam Walker is another master of landing his kicks on the spot.
"Sam is one of the best halfbacks in the game and he's been going great for the Roosters," Nanai said.
"That match-up with me and him, or Cameron Munster, it will be something special."
Nanai has only played four NRL games this year after off-season shoulder surgery and a further aggravation, but coach Billy Slater knows the quality he offers in attack and defence.
"I didn't think I was going to be back in this arena again, obviously with the shoulder injury and a slow start to my season," he said
"I just put my head down and worked hard and was hoping to see if I would be back in the squad.
"It is always a massive privilege from Billy to call me again."
Nanai vowed to his Cowboys teammate Jason Taumalolo that he would deliver an elite performance for his 300th NRL game for the club last week. He delivered with a stunning display that confirmed why he belongs in the Origin arena.
"I wanted to just put my head down and make sure I played very well, and especially for Jason's 300," he said.
Nanai debuted on the international stage for Australia in 2022 but has played his past four Tests for Samoa, who he intends to stick with for the Rugby League World Cup at the end of the year.
"I played for Samoa last year and I'll stay with my heritage again," he said.
"My old man is Samoan and I just want to represent him."
Nanai replaces Dolphins back-rower and Tonga international Kulikefu Finefeuiaki in the Queensland squad.
Finefeuiaki played just eight minutes off the bench at the MCG and did his job but Nanai has been a Maroons regular, when fit, since Slater took over as coach in 2022.
"I do feel for Kuli, but I'm here now to do a job for Queensland," Nanai said.
Australian Associated Press
