Former New South Wales coach Brad Fittler believes that Ryan Papenhuyzen deserves a crack at State of Origin level, although that opportunity may not come this year.
After multiple, lengthy injury layoffs, the Storm fullback is back to his best this season, but he faces plenty of competition if he is to make his Origin debut.
With Game 1 just a fortnight away, current Blues coach Laurie Daley has a tough selection decision to make for the No. 1 jersey.
Dylan Edwards was favoured by NSW last year, however, veteran James Tedesco has put himself back in the conversation with some stellar performances.
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While Edwards and Tedesco are widely considered the strongest two options, Papenhuyzen's four-try blitz against the Tigers was a timely reminder of his skillset.
The 26-year-old has the most tries of any player in the NRL this season (12), while averaging 153 run metres and boasting an 87 per cent tackle efficiency.
Despite this, Knights legend Andrew Johns can't envision Papenhuyzen getting the call-up in 2025.
"Not at the moment, because of the talent in front of him," he said on Freddy and The Eighth.
"He'd be limited for No.14 (utility role) because you couldn't put him in the front line and defend him.
"It's difficult."
Fittler, who led the Blues from 2018 to 2023, feels it would be a "shame" if Papenhuyzen never plays Origin.
He explained that he was primed for a debut in 2020, but an ankle issue ruled him out of contention.
"You know what would be a shame? If he never played Origin," Fittler said.
"I had him in 2020, but he came in with a bad ankle. He scored that try in the grand final and got the Clive Churchill when they beat Penrith ... I was gonna play him.
"But he had a bad ankle and by game three, I couldn't get around to picking him."
NSW Blues predicted team – Origin Game 1
The Sporting News currently predicts that Tedesco will take the Blues fullback spot.
Take a look at our latest NSW team here.