Josh Jackson has been named in Laurie Daley’s New South Wales side for the opening game of the 2017 State of Origin series.
Next Wednesday’s match will be Jackson’s sixth Origin game and his third series after making his debut in 2015.
The 26-year old arrived in camp earlier in the week to speak of his selection and what a privilege it was to be named in the side.
“You just get emotional just thinking about it and the people that have come before. It’s a great responsibility that you have to go out there and represent not only the people that have come before you, but your family and your state as well,” said Jackson.
The week began for Jackson at the annual NSWRL night of nights, the True Blues evening, which was staged at The Star on Monday night, with more than 500 attendees watching on as the team for game one was announced and The Star Hall of Fame unveiled.
“It was awesome to knock shoulders with some of the greats that have played Origin and the people I grew up watching. I know I was ready to play after some of the speeches that some of the greats of the game like Bob McCarthy and Ron Coote had to say. I had tingles,” added Jackson.
The night also saw the announcement of Roosters forward Boyd Cordner as the new Blues skipper, an appointment Jackson supports.
“Boyd has been really impressive. He’s the ultimate professional and his leadership
qualities on and off the field are impressive. He’s a guy that leads by his actions and he knows what to say and when to say it,” said Jackson.
The Bulldogs backrower heads into this year’s series as the reigning Brad Fittler Medalist and while Jackson is not counting on that to get him over the line this year, the Gulgong Terrier will look back at the achievement last year as one of the finest.
“It’s a great honour and when I finish my career I’ll look back at it as one of the proudest moments of my NRL and State of Origin career. It’s a great honour, but that was last year and this year’s a new year. I’ll be focused on putting my best foot forward for NSW this year,” Jackson said.
Watch Josh Jackson and his fellow Bulldogs teammates in action for NSW in Origin I on Wednesday 31st of May at Suncorp Stadium, 8pm.
