Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

All Black spotted in Origin camp as NSW seek edge

Angus Crichton of the Blues and team mates warm walk onto the field during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin training session at Blue Mountains Grammar School on June 20, 2024 in Katoomba, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Just days before their State of Origin decider with Queensland, New South Wales have brought All Black Richie Mo’unga into their camp.

ADVERTISEMENT

After losing game one, the Blues levelled the 2024 series at the end of June with a 38-18 victory over the Maroons, which included a record 34-0 halftime score, meaning it all comes down to the contest on Wednesday 17 July in Brisbane.

With the match fast approaching, coach Michael Maguire has enlisted Mo’unga into their camp to provide some “one-on-one” help to the team.

Video Spacer

Scott Robertson analyses his first Test series as All Blacks coach | Steinlager Series

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 13:06
Loaded: 0.00%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 13:06
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
    • en (Main), selected
    Video Spacer

    Scott Robertson analyses his first Test series as All Blacks coach | Steinlager Series

    The Japan-based No.10 was seen kitted out in the Blues’ training kit during his time in camp.

    Speaking to 9News in Australia, the 56-cap All Black said he is “just being around and floating” amongst the squad, and that there was “nothing really forced, just everything quite authentic and natural.”

    Fixture
    Internationals
    New Zealand
    47 - 5
    Full-time
    Fiji
    All Stats and Data

    The 30-year-old has put his international career on ice for now after signing for Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan following the World Cup last year, guiding them to Japan Rugby League One glory in his first season.

    The All Blacks began life without Mo’unga recently with a 2-0 series win over England, with Damian McKenzie starting both Tests in Mo’unga’s erstwhile No.10 jersey.

    Despite originally signing a three-year deal in Japan, the former Crusader has hinted about a possible early return.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “I signed for three years with Toshiba and my intentions were, ‘Yep, I’m going to do the three years’,” Mo’unga said, as reported by Stuff’s Paul Cully.

    “Obviously with ‘Razor’ coming along and saying he’d love to have me back home, it’s just given me another opportunity to think about where I’m at with my footy.

    “I am loving my time in Japan. It’s awesome.

    “But then for the All Blacks who have just been named, you get a bit of FOMO and you start to wonder what it would be like if you were in the team playing.

    “I feel like I’m in my prime, so having that thought of not being able to play for the best team in your country is really hard to take, but it’s the decision I made heading over to Japan.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “I knew that these are the things that I would have to sacrifice in order to get those experiences with my family and to be refreshed with my footy.

    “So, it’s all part of the greater plan.”

    Watch on TikTok

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

    Argentina v France | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Men's Match Highlights

    New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Women's Match Highlights

    Tokyo Sungoliath vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

    Reds vs Force | Super Rugby W 2025 | Full Match Replay

    The Rise of Kenya | The Report

    New Zealand in Hong Kong | Brady Rush | Sevens Wonders | Episode 4

    The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

    Trending on RugbyPass

    Comments

    4 Comments
    S
    Steve 259 days ago

    Good on you Ritchie, look after you and yours and disregard any comments on why your there, big picture is your there and these keyboard warriors are not.
    Tauke bro

    F
    Forward pass 261 days ago

    EX- All Black. Id love to know what he will teach the League boys in 1 session tho. Maybe how to sign a big OS contract then whinge about NZs selection policy???

    Load More Comments

    Join free and tell us what you really think!

    Sign up for free
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Latest Features

    Comments on RugbyPass

    LONG READ
    LONG READ Four Australians racing into contention to face the Lions Four Australians racing into contention to face the Lions
    Search