Origin dream edges closer but Luki’s all business ahead of Eels clash
IT IS Heilum Luki’s dream to wear the maroon of Queensland into the battleground that is State of Origin, but the young Cowboys secondrower is keeping his feet on the ground and focus firmly on facing Parramatta in Darwin on Saturday.
Luki is among the Cowboys’ cohort of young forwards on the rise, one of the club’s long-term propositions they’re seeing convert potential into form.
Signed to the Cowboys’ Cairns Academy in 2016 as a 15-year-old, the Cairns junior has made an impact at every level he’s played.
Now 18 games into his NRL career, and with seven appearances under his belt this season, Luki is being talked about as one of Maroons coach Billy Slater’s targets for the upcoming Origin series.
But Luki, who just turned 21, is more interested on doing his job for club coach Todd Payten against the Eels, and every other week.
“It’s pretty surreal to see my name in there,” Luki said.
“It has always been a dream to make Origin but I didn’t expect to be mentioned at this point.
“I’m just going to keep playing consistent footy. I’ve spoken to the coaches and I’ve got a lot of things to improve on.”
His athleticism, tackle-breaking ability and improved defence has thrust him, alongside fellow Cowboys backrower Jeremiah Nanai, into Origin calculations.
Ahead of the Cowboys’ 30-4 win against the Titans a week ago, Slater said he was keeping an eye on the young duo.
“The back-row position is starting to accumulate some depth,” Slater said.
“The two backrowers at the Cowboys – Nanai and Luki – have got big futures in the game.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing their careers develop and how they work their way into possibly becoming Origin players.”
Cowboys captain Jason Taumalolo echoed that sentiment.
“I can definitely see them playing Origin,” he said.
“Queensland has been blessed with great forwards over the years and these two are another example of how good their stocks are.”
After two tries in as many weeks – and victories – for the Cowboys, Luki expressed a desire to develop into a player capable of playing 80 minutes.
But it’s not the be-all and end-all for Luki, who just wants to do his job for his club.
“It’s definitely something I’ve always wanted to do, but each week I play and do my job,” he said.
“I don’t take too much notice of how many minutes I get.
“I didn’t really feel it during that game (against Canberra), you just focus on the job.”
The challenge this week against a strong Eels side is helping the Cowboys into the top four as they shoot for three straight wins.