Addo-Carr returns to GF origins at ANZ

Josh Addo-Carr has only played at ANZ Stadium three times in his life.

Yet by the time he’s done with his fourth time, the NSW speedster could walk away with an Origin shield to add to his NRL premiership ring.

Talk about a flying start to his career.

“It’s a little kid’s dream. It’s what you dream when you’re younger. It’s what footy’s all about, being number one,” Addo-Carr told AAP.

With Melbourne rarely playing at the Sydney venue, Sunday’s Origin II will be the first time Addo-Carr returns to the arena he lit up with a blazing 75-metre opening try in last year’s grand final triumph.

He identifies standing with his Storm teammates and singing the national anthem in front of thousands of people as one of the proudest moments of his career so far.

“But my favourite memory of that day would have to be scoring that first try. It’s one of the best moments of my life so far, really,” he said.

It would cap a meteoric rise for the 22-year-old, who arrived in Melbourne 18 months ago with just nine NRL games and little fanfare to go with it.

Now, after a 14-tackle bust-out performance in game one, he’s on the cusp of being a state hero, and he credits a former Blues coach for his ascension.

“I went down to Melbourne to seek an opportunity and I knew if I worked really hard down there, they’d turn me into the player I always dreamed to be,” he said.

“Craig Bellamy and the coaching staff down there, they breed rep players. That’s what their club’s about – effort, hard work and your teammates. That’s what we’re about here in the NSW team too this year.”

Addo-Carr is also relishing an Origin shot at Storm teammate Billy Slater, who returns for the clash after missing game one with a hamstring injury.

“It’s going to be a huge honour to join the field with him in the pinnacle of rugby league,” he said.

“Everyone knows he had two years off with his shoulder. But to come back and represent your state and country, and how he’s playing with the Storm again, it’s pretty special.”

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