I couldn’t locate a full transcript of a Jacob Kiraz press conference specifically following State of Origin Game III. It’s possible that the conference hasn’t been published or that only selected quotes were released. However, I’ve compiled a detailed summary based on credible sources that capture Kiraz’s sentiment and key takeaways from NSW Blues setup and his representative journey.
🎤 Jacob Kiraz & NSW Blues: Press Conference Highlights (Summarized)
1. Selection and Coaching Praise
- Laurie Daley’s motivational words:
Kiraz revealed NSW coach Laurie Daley personally told him, “you’re playing great football and if you keep doing what you’re doing, you never know what’s around the corner” (nrl.com).
Daley’s message deeply resonated, offering hope that continued performance could lead to an Origin debut. - Camp inclusion as reward:
He expressed appreciation for being invited into the Blues camp during Origin II as cover for Brian To’o’s hamstring issue—even though To’o ultimately played. For Kiraz, inclusion alone felt like validation of his form (theqldr.com.au).
2. Dealing with Injuries
- Calf setback before Game I:
A calf injury dashed Kiraz’s hopes just as he was set to challenge for a wing spot—especially after strong form had him “tossed around” as a contender . - Past injuries:
Kiraz has battled a back and hip injury in the past year, narrowly avoiding surgery—and he continues to maintain resilience and focus (nrl.com).
3. Motivation from Near‑Misses
- Fuel for ambition:
Two near-misses (Origin and Kangaroos selection) have fired Kiraz’s determination:“When you know you’re pretty close, it inspires you more and you just want to go out there and keep playing good.” (reddit.com, nrl.com)
He firmly believes that “everything happens for a reason” and trusts that when his moment arrives, he’ll be ready (nrl.com).
4. Nod from Club & Peers
- Praise from Cameron Ciraldo:
The Bulldogs coach noted that Kiraz’s hat‑trick in Round 9 showed he’s “banging the door down” for Origin selection (brisbanetimes.com.au). - Stephen Crichton’s support:
Crichton emphasized Kiraz’s all‑round capabilities:“It’s everything he does. He has good high‑ball awareness and the way he carries the footy.” (theqldr.com.au, en.wikipedia.org).
- Josh Reynolds’ endorsement:
Bulldogs legend Reynolds called him the “form winger” of the NRL at the time (canberratimes.com.au).
5. Personal Mindset & Ambition
- Dream of Origin:
Kiraz admitted:“I would be lying if I said I didn’t (have those Origin aspirations)… I know I won’t let the state down.” (zerotackle.com).
- Faith and timing:
He often noted, “it’s all in God’s timing at the end of the day”—a testament to his patience and faith (zerotackle.com).
🧩 Putting It All Together
While I couldn’t find a verbatim 1,000‑word transcript for Game III, the core narrative lines up closely with what a press conference would include:
- Gratitude for selection – Acknowledging Daley, Blues staff, and the club.
- Reflection on near‑misses – Injuries, selection heartbreak, but using them as fuel.
- Confidence in form and capabilities – Backed by coach and teammates.
- Readiness for opportunity – Trusting in timing and mental preparation.
📝 Template for a Hypothetical 1,000‑Word Transcript
[NOTE: The following is a constructed example based on reported quotes and insights—intended to model what a full-length press conference might resemble.]
Journalist: “Jacob, thanks for joining us. How’re you feeling after being so close to selection for Game I and II?”
Kiraz:
“Firstly, I was really grateful to get that call from Laurie and the Blues setup. Obviously the calf before Game I—devastating—but being named cover for To’o in Perth was massive. It showed they see me in the frame, and Daley’s words, ‘if you keep playing like that, you never know what’s around the corner,’ really gave me belief.”
Journalist: “Laurie Daley’s message has been mentioned a lot. How important was that encouragement?”
Kiraz:
“It was huge. You don’t hear that from your coach unless they genuinely think you’re right there. After missing out at club and rep level before, it was motivation to push harder, train smarter, and keep performing.”
Journalist: “You’ve had your share of injuries too. How did that affect you mentally?”
Kiraz:
“It’s part of footy. Last year it was back and hip, almost needed surgery—this year a calf. But I believe everything happens for a reason. Those setbacks made coming back stronger so much more satisfying. And now I’m in the best shape of my career.”
Journalist: “Your club coach Cameron Ciraldo, and teammates like Stephen Crichton and Josh Reynolds, have all spoken highly of you.”
Kiraz:
“They’ve been great. ‘Banging the door down,’ they said. Since my hat‑trick in Magic Round, the feedback has been so positive. Especially from Cricht, who I play outside weekly—when he praises your game, you know you’re doing something right.”
Journalist: “Does representing NSW still mean a lot to you?”
Kiraz:
“Of course. I dreamed of this as a kid. I’d be lying otherwise. And when that jersey goes on, I know I won’t let the state down. I believe I belong here—I’ve worked hard, and I trust in God’s timing.”
Journalist: “What would you bring if you get that Origin call‑up?”
Kiraz:
“Elasticity in attack, strong kick‑chase in defense, high‑ball security—everything that Origin demands. I want to change momentum, not be dictated by it. I feel ready, but I’m focusing week by week, one game at a time.”
Journalist: “Last question—what does being on standby feel like?”
Kiraz:
“It’s surreal. You watch training, team talk, camps—it’s all high‑performance, and you’re in the mix. That alone shows you’re exactly where you should be. Now it’s about staying hungry, staying ready.”
✅ In Summary
- There is currently no publicly available full transcript for a Jacob Kiraz press conference after State of Origin Game III.
- Based on sourced quotes from multiple media outlets, the central themes revolve around:
- Recognition and praise from Laurie Daley.
- Injury setbacks and resilience.
- Validation from club coaches and teammates.
- Strong personal ambition and unwavering mental preparedness.
- If you need help drafting a full mock transcript or incorporating more elements—such as specific crowd questions, expanded responses, or structuring it closer to a polished ready‑to‑publish release—I’d be happy to help!
