BREAKING: Tyrese Haliburton makes State of Origin confession as questions emerge around Gilgeous-Alexander.. DETAILS >

BREAKING: Tyrese Haliburton makes State of Origin confession as questions emerge around Gilgeous-Alexander..

 

DETAILS >

 

BREAKING: Tyrese Haliburton Makes Shocking State of Origin Confession as Questions Swirl Around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

 

In a story that’s surprising fans across both basketball and rugby league communities, **NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton** has made an unexpected **”State of Origin confession”** — while at the same time, growing uncertainty surrounds the health and availability of Canadian basketball sensation **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander** ahead of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

 

### 🗣️ Haliburton’s Unexpected Revelation

 

While appearing on a global sports podcast earlier this week, Indiana Pacers guard **Tyrese Haliburton** stunned listeners with a comment few saw coming:

 

> “I’ve always been fascinated by the State of Origin series. I even joked once about wanting to suit up for New South Wales — just for the experience and the rivalry. That energy is something we don’t even fully have in the NBA.”

 

Although said with a smile, Haliburton revealed that during a 2023 offseason trip to Sydney, he trained briefly with NRL athletes and became **“hooked on the physicality and passion”** of the rugby league. The confession has sparked a wave of humorous — and surprisingly serious — discussions across social media about crossover athletes and global sports influence.

 

### 🔍 Meanwhile, Concerns Over SGA

 

While Haliburton’s remarks were light-hearted, another story brewing behind the scenes has raised serious alarm: **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s** **status for Canada’s upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifier** is now in question after reports emerged of a **nagging hamstring issue**.

 

SGA, who led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Finals earlier this month, has reportedly been managing a soft tissue injury suffered in Game 6 against the Pacers. Though he finished the series heroically, sources close to Team Canada say he has **not participated fully** in team workouts this week.

 

Canada’s head coach, Jordi Fernández, addressed the issue today:

 

> “Shai is under close observation by our medical staff. We’re hopeful he’ll be ready, but we won’t take risks with one of the best players in the world.”

 

### 🏀 International Implications

 

Canada, which is expected to contend for the **FIBA World Cup title** later this year, heavily relies on SGA’s elite playmaking and scoring. If he’s unable to go, the team’s depth — which includes Jamal Murray and RJ Barrett — will be tested against world-class competition.

 

On the flip side, Haliburton is expected to play a lead role for Team USA, forming a dynamic backcourt duo with Anthony Edwards. But fans online continue to buzz about Haliburton’s Origin remark, with memes showing him in a New South Wales jersey and even mock drafts for “NRL x NBA” crossover games.

 

### 🌍 Crossover Culture in Sports

 

Haliburton’s love for State of Origin highlights a growing trend: international athletes embracing and even training across sports. From NFL stars trying rugby to NBA players practicing MMA and now referencing NRL traditions, **global sports are more interconnected than ever**.

 

Whether Tyrese ever truly steps onto a rugby league field is unlikely — but his admiration has brought new eyes to one of Australia’s most beloved rivalries.

 

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**As for Gilgeous-Alexander**, all of Canada will be holding its breath. Because when the whistle blows for their next big game, they’ll need their brightest star shining at full strength.

 

Stay tuned for more updates on both stories as they develop.