In-form Panthers star continues to impress for his club ahead of the crucial rep clash.
Josh Mansour says he won’t have any hang-ups switching to the opposite side of the field if New South Wales coach Laurie Daley picks him for the all-important game two of this year’s Origin series.
In the wake of Brett Morris being ruled out with a broken shoulder, Mansour has been leading the charge for his replacement, with the Panthers winger arguably being one of the best backs in the entire NRL this season.
In his 10 games this season, Mansour has bagged nine tries and has recorded 200 all-run metres four times this season.
It’s his ability to break the line at any time, his nose to find the try-line and his work on kick returns to help his side come out of their own half that has led to his name being mentioned for State of Origin selection.
Mansour has plied his trade at Penrith on the left wing, but with Morris’ place on the right needing to be filled the 23-year-old, who recently turned his back on a rich deal from Canberra to stay at the foot of the mountains, said he would have no problems switching sides.
“I played a bit of right as a kid,” Mansour said.
“If I got the chance, I’d definitely take it.”
Even if he is overlooked for the likes of Jorge Taufua or James McManus, Mansour said he is happy to stay and continue to help Penrith surge towards a top three finish.
“As the weeks have gone on our combinations are growing week by week,” he said of the Panthers’ season.
“Our chemistry has been a big part of our wins. Every game it looks like we’re enjoying our footy … this year all the boys have been putting their hands up and it’s been good so far.”
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