The unexpected opportunity fuelling Hazelton's Origin dream
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Cronulla prop Tom Hazelton is determined to use his experience in NSW Blues camp as a platform for a State of Origin call-up in the coming years.
The Shark was one of four players invited to train with Laurie Daley's side last week. Panthers five-eighth Blaize Talagi, Eels young gun Joash Papalii and Knights forward Mat Croker also joined the team on the Central Coast.
The Westpac NSW Blues have previously called in players on Daley's radar for the training roles to provide them with a taste of Origin before a potential debut down the track.
While Hazelton does not want to look too far ahead, he acknowledged the opportunity lit the fire inside as he chases a NSW jumper in the future.
Thomas Hazelton Try
"It was a cool experience to mix with the best players in the world," Hazelton said. "To get a glimpse of how they operate and prepare was cool. As a fan, I'm looking forward to watching them play on Wednesday night.
"For every player that plays this game, those representative honours are the dream. It comes back to playing well here first for Cronulla and then those accolades come off the back of a good team performance."
Hazelton was a late bloomer who moved from Goulburn to the Shire to chase his rugby league dream and has developed into a consistent performer for the Sharks.
While noted for his try-scoring abilities, the prop provides plenty of punch through the middle and is a tireless defender.
After an injury-interrupted 2025 campaign, Hazelton is back to his best this season and regularly makes a big impact off the bench.
Not your average try scoring machine
Captain Cam McInnes has watched the prop evolve over the last few years and said his game is perfectly suited to the Origin arena.
"It's always good for guys to get that little taste of it," McInnes said. "They get an understanding of the elite level and you can always learn from that environment.
"If Hazo keeps on track for the next few years, there's no reason he can't be putting on that jersey one day. It's always good to have a taste of it and come back with more of a steely focus, which has been good to see."
Match: Sharks v Sea Eagles
Round 13 -
home Team
Sharks
9th Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
4th Position
Venue: Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Hazelton joined fellow Sharks Blayke Brailey and Addin Fonua-Blake in NSW camp, while Briton Nikora is set to make his Origin debut off the bench for the Maroons.
All three players are expected to be named for Friday's clash with Manly, with a final decision on their status to be made after Wednesday's match.
Friday's game pits Cronulla against the in-form Sea Eagles, who have won seven from eight since Kieran Foran took over as interim coach.
Sea Eagles v Titans - Round 12, 2026
Hazelton recognises the key to neutralising Manly's exciting outside backs is to win the battle up front and is ready to take on a greater role if Fonua-Blake doesn't back up.
"Manly are a quality side," Hazelton said. "They've won seven from eight since Kieran's taken over and they've got a lot of strike. They're a quality team, there's no fluke they are where they are on the ladder.
"Having the week off, we've had some time to get some good training done. Our record coming out of byes isn't fantastic either so we've got some good work done and we're looking forward to getting back here in front of our home fans on Friday night."
