In-form Canberra centre Joey Leilua wants to play State of Origin, and he's got a fan in fellow NSW hopeful Blake Austin.
Leilua has built a formidable partnership with winger Jordan Rapana at the Raiders this NRL season, combining for 10 tries including six in their round-eight thumping of Wests Tigers.
The former Newcastle player admits they've developed somewhat of a `bromance', but one which hasn't yet reached the stage of Sandor Earl and Blake Ferguson - aka `Dorguson'.
"I don't think we have a name but hopefully my one's first," he said on Monday.
"We enjoy each other's company off the field, so when we get out there we like to play for each other and the team.
"We've always spoken about keeping our form up and being consistent. We just need to keep doing that and keep each other accountable."
Leilua pulled out of the Pacific Test citing a leg complaint but is fit to face St George Illawarra on Thursday.
He hopes his form will translate into a representative call-up ahead of the series opener on June 1 at ANZ Stadium.
"That was one of my goals this year, to try and get a Blues jersey," he said.
"I've just got to play consistently, stay in this form and hopefully I get picked."
Austin said there was no doubt he should on the selection radar.
"You've only got to see what Joey's been able to do in the first part of the season," he said.
"Everyone in our team, if you're eligible for Origin it's definitely something that's on your radar. It's something that's closer to some than others but all you can do is perform well for the Raiders."
A Blues jumper has long been on Austin's mind, but injuries have disrupted his start to 2016.
He returned from a hamstring strain against last-start Penrith but missed Sunday's City v Country clash, although the star five-eighth is unsure if that will help or hinder his Origin chances.
"When you're performing well for your club, things take care of themselves," he said.
"For me it's about staying on the paddock at the moment and performing well for the Raiders."
