Tyrone Peachey is used to popping up just about anywhere and everywhere on the rugby league field.
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But few expected the Penrith Panthers and Wellington jack-in-the-box to pop up in a NSW Blues jumper in 2018.
The Cowboys product is the bolter in Brad Fittler's 19-man squad to tackle Queensland in State of Origin one at Melbourne in a week's time, the 26-year-old now in Origin camp preparing to make his debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The versatile Blues utility said he was still in disbelief at the announcement.
“It’s awesome, a surreal feeling,” Peachey told NSWRL.com.au.
“I still can’t believe it.”
His selection caps an outstanding start to 2018 but despite being in outstanding form the talented back was still nervous ahead of the announcement.
“It was a stressful day, I thought we were going to get the call at 10 in the morning,” he said.
“Bit stressed all day and when I got the call it was a massive sigh of relief, I was pumped, I couldn’t stop smiling. All the hard work has paid off and I get to play Origin Wednesday.”
While coach Fittler hadn’t made public what his plans were for the Wellington product it has been suggested he will play a similar role to Queensland utility Michael Morgan.
All the hard work has paid off and I get to play Origin on Wednesday, I’m absolutely pumped.
- Tyrone Peachey
“I think we’ll kind of have the same role just to go on and bring plenty of energy,” Peachey said.
“It’ll be a different role for both of us but I’ve done it before for Penrith and we’ve been successful so hopefully do the same for the Blues.”
The new-look Blues line-up boasts a strong Indigenous representation with the likes of Josh Addo-Carr, James Roberts and Latrell Mitchell.
“I think we’re all going through the same experience on debuting and everyone’s just pumped, it’s a surreal feeling,” Peachey said. “You can feel the atmosphere here and everyone’s energy, it’s going to be a good week.”
