Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic has declared his desire to play for NSW despite suffering a season-ending injury in last year's State of Origin series.
The 27-year-old has been in sparkling form for the Sea Eagles to start the season, putting years of frustrating injuries behind him.
Competition for the Blues No.1 jumper is fierce, with James Tedesco the incumbent and current NSW captain, Penrith's Dylan Edwards in career-best form and Melbourne's Ryan Papenhuyzen one of the most dangerous attacking players in the game.
Trbojevic has previously starred in the centres and on the wing in the Origin arena and he is willing reprise that role if it means returning to the NSW team.
Tom Trbojevic loving the bright lights of Las Vegas
I definitely want to play," Trbojevic said. "I'm very passionate about NSW and that jersey and want to be out there but that's not my decision, I'll just keep working hard.
"Any [position] in Blue is fine, I don't really mind."
Trbojevic's desire to represent his state comes despite a push from some quarters for him to focus purely on Manly.
The fullback tore his pectoral during the second Origin game last year, the injury ending his season. The Sea Eagles ultimately missed the finals.
The tension between club and state duties has returned this week with reports suggesting Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell is considering ruling himself out of Blues contention.
The 26-year-old has endured a challenging start to the NRL season and is in the midst of a three-game suspension. With South Sydney currently languishing in last place, they need him at his best to push for a finals berth.
Kalyn Ponga adopted a similar approach last year, withdrawing from the Queensland squad after a concussion impacted the first half of his season. The Knights fullback went on to lead Newcastle to the finals and won the Dally M Medal after a dominant finish to the year.
Trbojevic said no one at Manly has placed any pressure on him to pull out of Origin and hopes clubs don't start encouraging players to bypass the series.
"When it all happened last year when I was injured, I can understand that's when all the talk was coming out that I shouldn't play, but when [Origin] comes around you want to be playing in the biggest games.
"It hasn't really been a thought of mine. I want to be playing for NSW, it's one of our biggest arenas and one of the biggest honours in the game so I definitely want to be out there."
Trbojevic's push for an Origin return comes amid Manly's impressive start to the season.
The Sea Eagles currently sit fourth, while their fullback has scored five tries, set up six and is averaging 192 running metres a game.
The performances haven't gone unnoticed among Trbojevic's teammates, with Manly players heaping praise on the exciting talent.
Match: Sea Eagles v Raiders
Round 9 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
6th Position
away Team
Raiders
5th Position
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Reuben Garrick has noticed a distinct shift in the fullback's mindset this year and said his form is a direct result.
"He just puts in the work," Garrick told NRL.com. "He's always training hard, doing everything right so he can be his best on the weekend for us.
"You're seeing that [on the field]. It's just Turbo, he's an exceptional player, puts his heart on the line every week and we're lucky to have him."
Trbojevic may be happy to play in any position if it means a State of Origin return, but there's no doubt who should be the NSW No.1 among his Manly teammates.
"He'll have my vote, that's for sure." Garrick said.
