The inspirational message driving Kiraz towards NSW debut

Jacob Kiraz has revealed the inspiring message delivered by NSW coach Laurie Daley after he was called into Blues camp last week.

The Bulldogs winger was among the leading contenders for a place in the team for Game One in Brisbane before he suffered a calf injury in the Bulldogs' final match before the side was named.

Kiraz trained with the team last week after a hamstring niggle to Brian To'o sent a scare through the Blues camp, however the incumbent looks set to take his place in the side in Wednesday night's clash with the Maroons.

Having now come close to a State of Origin debut on two occasions, Kiraz said the experience has motivated him to play his way into a NSW jumper in the future.

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"You want to be in those kinds of camps," Kiraz said. "I was very fortunate Loz wanted me to fill in for Bizza when he wasn't there. It was a good experience, I took a lot away from it. Hopefully one day, I'll be there.

"[Daley] kind of said, you're playing great football and if you keep doing what you're doing, you never know what's around the corner. He said hopefully that one day [I'll get an opportunity], that inspired me.

"When you know you're pretty close, it inspires you more and you just want to go out there and keep playing good. It was good from him to recognise me and call me up and I'm pretty happy."

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