Cameron Ciraldo, the coach of the Bulldogs, has advocated for a revision of the State of Origin’s 18th man regulations. Currently, key players such as Max King, Stephen Crichton, and Matt Burton will miss the Bulldogs’ upcoming match against the Rabbitohs on Sunday. Despite being named as the 18th man for the Blues, Burton is unlikely to feature in the second game of the series, where New South Wales aims for a consecutive series victory, yet remains unavailable for the Bulldogs.
This Sunday marks Burton’s fifth time serving as the 18th man for the Blues. So far, his sole appearances in the Origin series were during the second and third games in 2023. Ciraldo has suggested that the rules be amended to permit the 18th man to participate in club games the weekend leading up to the Origin, highlighting the need for more flexibility within the system.
He expressed hope that future changes would allow on-field participation for 18th men, enabling them to gain valuable experience and return to their clubs with enhanced skills. “We’ve challenged Burto to go in there and become a better footballer, and bring it back to the Bulldogs,” Ciraldo stated during a press conference.
The NRL has responded to these calls by asserting there are currently no plans to alter the rule. Although Burton was in camp, he was not selected by Blues coach Laurie Daley to play, with Jarome Luai chosen instead following Mitchell Moses’s calf injury. Ciraldo maintained a diplomatic stance when discussing the decision, acknowledging that coaches make choices with the team’s best interests at heart.
In addition, Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz has been kept on standby for the Blues as a potential replacement for Brian To’o, but he has since returned to Bulldogs training and is expected to play in the weekend’s match.
As State of Origin approaches, the tension and excitement continue to build, with Ciraldo’s suggestions potentially sparking discussions about the future of the 18th man rule and its implications for players juggling responsibilities between club and state level.