Newly appointed NSW adviser Peter Sterling believes the Blues' next generation isn't far from State of Origin success.
Two weeks after being introduced as coach Laurie Daley's right-hand man, Sterling tipped heralded Trbojevic brothers Tom and Jake as possible inclusions in 2017.
"We're not far from the mark. We have the right players, I've got no doubt about that," Sterling said as part of a Blues' call to arms on Monday.
"We used 22 last season and of that, only Paul Gallen and Greg Bird are unavailable. The Trbojevic brothers and Bryce Cartwright were a part of the game three as shadow players.
"Brett Morris didn't player last year, we've got Shannon Boyd and Trent Merrin who did some great stuff for the Kangaroos, and there'll be others outside of that. The players are there.
"I just think a couple of little areas need to be addressed and success is not far away."
Eight rookies made their Origin debut under Daley in this year's losing series against Queensland, including game three winners Matt Moylan, James Tedesco and Tyson Frizell.
Sterling praised Daley for slowly bringing them into Origin but predicted now is the time for the state's rising stars to make their mark against the Maroons.
"We're seeing a transitional change, no doubt," he said.
"These players are better prepared for Origin than they've ever been and it's been because of what Laurie's done over his tenure and also in the years before that.
"They've not been thrown to the wolves. They're coming in at the right time, erring on the right side of caution, so that we don't burn players. I think we've been guilty of doing that in the past."
The former Blues halfback re-iterated his support of axed playmaker Mitchell Pearce, who wasn't considered for this year's series after a controversial suspension for off-field dramas.
Sterling said Pearce's experience alone made him a contender for a recall.
"We know he's had some problems but when it comes to what he can do on a football field, there's never been any question about that," he said.
"It'll be dependent on how he starts the season, where his headspace is, how well he's playing.
"But when it comes to the number sevens, he's right up there with the very best of them. He's obviously had plenty of experience now, that'll put him in very strong contention."
The Blues are next week expected to name their emerging squad for a camp in January.
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