Parramatta coach Brad Arthur believes centre Michael Jennings is playing better football now than when he was selected for NSW Origin last year.
Jennings, the left centre incumbent, has largely been overlooked in discussions surrounding the position for the Blues' series-opener against Queensland on May 31.
Jarryd Hayne is leading the race of contenders for the position, while Jack Bird has also been mooted as an option if right centre Josh Dugan is ruled out with a cheekbone injury.
But Arthur doesn't believe Laurie Daley would have anything to worry about if they went in favour of Jennings.
"I think he's playing better this year than he was last year," Arthur said.
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"So if he was selected they will know that they will be able to rely on him there to do a good job."
Jennings has scored six tries in 18 Origins since his debut in 2009, and only Hayne has more caps than him of those available for selection in any position next week.
He also scored the match winner for NSW in last year's dead-rubber victory over Queensland, but failed to have a try assist in any of the three matches.
The 29-year-old is yet to hear from Daley surrounding this year's selections, and has one last chance to impress against lethal Canberra combination Joseph Leilua and Jordan Rapana at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.
"You always want to make a statement, you always want to play for your state," Jennings said.
"I've always been grateful to get that opportunity already.
"Hopefully if I'm playing good footy then hopefully I get that opportunity."
Meanwhile Jennings is likely to be the only Eels player in line for Origin selection, with Queensland outsider Corey Norman struck out with a knee injury.
The representative period could be an advantageous period for the Eels, who play before each of the Origin matches and could be at full strength against weakened sides such as St George Illawarra and Melbourne.
"We're not a team full of superstars," Arthur said.
"We might get a few teams where they're down a player but at the end of the day it shouldn't matter too much of our mentality of what we need to do to win."
