 Izzard was called up to the New South Wales side in game one of State of Origin in his debut year playing on the wing though injury ruled him out of the remaining matches for his state and country played that year.Fitness problems went on to hamper his relationship with several of his coaches such as Tim Sheens and Ron Willey but playing under Phil Gould in 1991 his efforts on the field became instrumental in his team's success helping them to a grand final premiership victory.Following the grand final victory he travelled with the Panthers to England for the 1991 World Club Challenge which was lost to Wigan.