A NSW State of Origin debut may beckon but prop Matt Lodge reckons earning an NRL starting spot in 2019 will be hard enough thanks to Brisbane's young brigade.
In a remarkable comeback, the 23-year-old Lodge is in line to make his Origin debut this year after taking part in an Emerging Blues training camp in Sydney last month.
Lodge revealed Blues coach Brad Fittler told him a maiden Origin jumper was on the cards if he maintained his stunning form for the Broncos.
Thrown an NRL lifeline by the Broncos after an infamous 2015 New York rampage, Lodge played all 25 of Brisbane's games in a stellar 2018 return to catch Fittler's eye.
Lodge was expected to be one of the first forwards picked by new Broncos coach Anthony Seibold for round one after the departure of Sam Thaiday (retirement), Josh McGuire (North Queensland) and Korbin Sims (St George Illawarra).
But Lodge said the emergence of Broncos young guns Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan and Tom Flegler at Red Hill had ensured he was not taking a starting front-row spot for granted in 2019, let alone an Origin debut.
"We've got Payne, Patty Carrigan, Tom Flegler and heaps coming through and I am confident they are not just going to do a job, but do it well," Lodge said.
"It is good for me and I encourage them. If they play better they get the starting jersey.
"Whoever is playing the best footy is who we want out there. I think the coach is about that.
"If the young guys are doing well no doubt the team will be going well."
Still, Lodge is quietly confident of a NSW nod if he maintains his rich vein of form since controversially agreeing to sign with Brisbane under then coach Wayne Bennett in 2018.
Lodge was booed at season's start upon his return from his drunken US attack but is now a Brisbane fan favourite, recently earning a two-year Broncos contract extension.
Another reward was his recent run at the Blues training camp, receiving glowing praise from Fittler.
"It was probably good for me just knowing that I wasn't ruled out of playing (for Origin) because of my past," Lodge said.
"It was good to get down with those top players and back in that group.
"I haven't been there for a while so it is good to see what they are doing differently and how they are preparing, and how Brad Fittler organises the Origin team - it gives you something to work towards."
