Melbourne Storm utility Tyran Wishart has emerged as an early bolter for a State of Origin debut after he was spotted at a pre-season Blues meeting in Sydney.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Wishart joined several Blues stars – including Nathan Cleary, Mitchell Moses, Tom and Jake Trbojevic, and Jarome Luai – in a meeting with new coach Laurie Daley on Saturday.
Having played virtually everywhere for the Storm in 2024, Wishart is expected to challenge Connor Watson for the No.14 for game one in Brisbane.
LIVE UPDATES: WWE Royal Rumble 2025
Tyran Wishart has emerged as an early candidate for the Blues' Origin utility role. Getty
Daley played Origin with Tyran's dad, Rod. He said the 25-year-old "deserved" to be in the meeting.
"I like how he played last year; he's got great versatility, and he's someone who deserves to be here because of these performances," Daley said.
Wishart scored 12 tries in 2024. When he wasn't the bench utility, he got starts in both halves positions, as well as hooker. He even spent time on the wing.
Jake Trbojevic was the only one at the meeting who played under Daly in his last stint as Blues coach in 2017.
Daley said it represented a chance for him to get to know him on a personal level, as well as set his expectations.
"I had only ever said g'day to most of the boys, so it was a good chance to tell them a bit about my story and my history, and talk to them about what my expectations are," he said.
"I also wanted to speak to them about what could be built on from last year, and how we get better. It was about reconnecting as a group."
Origin I is at Suncorp Stadium on May 28, before a return to Perth for game two in June 18, and game three in Sydney on July 9.
