Dylan Walker thinks it's crazy Manly teammate Daly Cherry-Evans isn't considered a front-runner for the Queensland No.6 jersey, accusing Maroons selectors of not giving the playmaker a fair go.
Cherry-Evans engineered Manly's 35-18 win over Cronulla on Sunday, setting up three tries and kicking a field goal to shoot the Sea Eagles into the top four.
With the 28-year-old at the helm, Manly have the best attacking record in the NRL in terms of average points, while Cherry-Evans is second in the competition for try assists.
But his name has regularly been left out of discussion as to who will replace the injured Johnathan Thurston in Origin III.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters did not list Cherry-Evans as a contender on a TV segment last week.
Walker - who played for NSW last year - finds it unbelievable the six-time representative isn't being mentioned alongside Michael Morgan and Cameron Munster.
"He's probably played his best footy this year," Walker said.
"I think you have to give players the reward they deserve when they are playing good football.
"That's what rep footy is about and I just don't think he's getting a fair crack at it."
Walker has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Cherry-Evans' form this season, enjoying success alongside the six-time Queensland State of Origin representative on the Sea Eagles' potent right edge.
"It's a bit crazy how he's not getting tossed up," Walker said.
"For him being captain and leading this team around, he's been awesome. We can't fault him.
"He's got a great kicking game. His read of the game is unbelievable."
Walker's calls for Cherry-Evans' selection came after the halfback claimed his game had improved since he went from 0-2 in starts for Queensland in 2014 and 2015.
However the fact his experience is at no.7 - and not five-eighth - could count against him.
He could potentially earn a spot on the Maroons' bench if Morgan wins the race to secure the No.6 jersey.
Walters said on Monday Cherry-Evans was in the selection picture.
"In his match yesterday, (he) just put some icing on the cake I suppose for him," Walters told Sky Sports Radio.
"He's obviously a candidate that is really putting his hand up.
"Michael Morgan would be another one, Cameron Munster from the Storm ... Ben Hunt would be another one."
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