This was published 8 years ago
Paul Vaughan plays down Origin hopes as Canberra looks to break home duck
By Jon Tuxworth
Canberra Raiders prop Paul Vaughan refuses to push his own State of Origin barrow as question marks are raised over the need for a succession plan for Australia's ageing representative props.
But he was willing to push the claims of Raiders teammate Blake Austin, adamant he "couldn't have done much more" to press for a NSW call-up after his three-try performance for City.
Paul Vaughan says he's happy with his form this season.Credit: Jay Cronan
The Kangaroos' veteran forwards have come under fire after being out-muscled by New Zealand in Sunday's 26-12 loss at Suncorp Stadium, with most of the pack in the back end of their careers.
NSW coach Laurie Daley also told Fairfax Media this week if two players could not be separated at the selection table, he was likely to lean toward the younger player.
Vaughan racked up 121 metres off the bench in Country's 34-22 win over City in Wagga on Sunday and has been earmarked as an Origin player of the future.
The 24-year-old is averaging over 150 metres a game for the Raiders this season, but he doesn't expect to field a phone call from Daley before Origin I on May 27.
"It's always been a dream of mine to play Origin but if I'm being realistic, I think I'm a little bit far away from that at the moment," Vaughan said.
"Obviously I'd love to play Origin, but I'm not going to make any outrageous calls.
"I'm happy with how I'm playing, I put my best foot forward on the weekend and now I'm excited to keep on playing consistently for the Raiders.
"They [Australia] had a tough game on the weekend but there's a lot of quality forwards out there and it's a massive step up.
"They're quality players in there at the moment and whenever that time comes, the boys coming through will definitely put their hand up."
Austin said on Tuesday he was "flattered" by talk he could be an Origin bolter, remarkable given he joined Canberra this year after being unwanted by Wests Tigers.
He has found a home at five-eighth and his speed, support play and tenacious on-line defence has been critical in Canberra's two-game winning streak.
Vaughan isn't getting his hopes up and is concentrating on helping the Raiders avoid becoming the first Canberra side in history to lose the first four home games of a season against Gold Coast on Saturday.
The Raiders have joined the inaugural 1982 side as the only Canberra teams to lose their first three home games and would create an unwanted record with a loss to the in-form Titans.
In contrast the Raiders (4-4) have won four of five road games, and can enter the top eight for the first time since round 21, 2013.
"We're actually enjoying playing away this year, we just have to get that win at home and we'll get a roll on from there," Vaughan said.
"We're looking for three straight and to keep on going. I think it's about time we get a win at home.
"I don't think it's psychological, the games we've played this year we've been in it up to our eyeballs except for the Roosters game."
Austin's energy has been a spark plug for the Raiders this year with his running game, but Vaughan said his ability to stop tries deserves as much credit.
"His defence on the line has been unreal, it's good to score tries but even better to stop them," Vaughan said.
"Austo's done really well with that lately and it's credit to him putting his body on the line."
"He played unreal and I don't think he could have done much more than that to get an Origin call up.
"He's a special player and we knew when he came down here he was going to be a real asset."
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said Origin jumpers aren't handed out on a platter and only consistency would enhance his players' prospects.
"It doesn't come easy or by winning a couple of games of football," he said.
"They have to keep their heads down, work hard and perform consistently."