Jojo Fifita may become the latest Titan to make his Maroons debut if Josh Hannay has his way as the race for Origin spots heats up at Magic Round.
With Queensland and New South Wales naming their teams on Monday ahead of the series opener on May 27, the Gold Coast flyer has been linked to a potential call-up with both wing positions up for grabs amidst a wide field of players putting their case forward.
Fifita has been one of the Titans' best this season as the current leading try-scorer for the club at right centre and knows how special it would be to represent the Maroons, but humbly wants to let his footy do the talking as he prepares for a mini-Origin battle marking Bradman Best in Sunday's clash against the Knights at Suncorp Stadium.
His coach on the other hand - who was previously part of Billy Slater's setup - has boldly put his name in lights as a potential bolter, backing him to do a job for his state after sublime club form to start the year.
"I think Jojo deserves it to be really honest and I'm bullish about that," Hannay said.
"He's a star in the making and his start to this year has been high level and consistent. I do know he is on their radar - as he should be - and I know he'll make a fist of Origin.
"He's a guy that once he gets in that environment, he'll stay there. He's such a good young player and from my point of view, I'd love to see him get an opportunity.
"I know he wouldn't let Queensland down."
Not only receiving a glowing endorsement from his coach, the 23-year-old also has the backing from his Titans teammates as well, including fellow Maroons prospect Jayden Campbell who joined Fifita in Origin camp last year for a unique training experience.
"Jojo has been playing really well. He's so quick for his size and he's a big boy," he said.
"I don't think people understand how strong he is and how fast he actually is. He would handle his own and I'm definitely backing him.
"Whatever happens, happens with him and I know he's just happy to play football but hopefully he gets a call from Billy."
Praise has even come from staunch New South Welshman Chris Randall, who has watched Fifita grow throughout the years at the Titans and now features alongside him on the right edge.
"He's playing so good. He's been building the last couple of years but is really starting to hit his straps now. He's quite strong for us on that right edge and he's in good form," he said.
"He's so big, so fast and physically very good."
Match: Titans v Knights
Round 11 -
home Team
Titans
16th Position
away Team
Knights
10th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Having worked with Slater the past four years in Camp Maroon, Hannay is expecting the Queensland mentor to continue with his audacious approach at the selection table.
Knowing there is every possibility for several debutants to make their mark in this year's series, including the likes of Fifita and even rising rookie Cooper Bai who has put himself in the conversation after an impressive start to his NRL career, the Titans coach will be watching with interest on Monday morning when the team is officially unveiled for Game I.
"I've spoken to Billy a few times about the Origin situation and potential players and what have you. We talk from time to time and we've spoken about certain individuals," Hannay said.
"He's got a lot of big decisions to make. There's a lot of people putting their hand up.
"One thing I know about Billy, he's not afraid to be bold with his selections. If he believes in his heart that it gives Queensland the best chance of winning, he'll pick that player and he's always shown that.
"The team he picks... there may be some surprises there but he would've done his homework to know that it will give Queensland the best chance to win."
