Joe Ofahengaue has declared himself ready to step up to the State of Origin arena if Queensland coach Kevin Walters wants him for game three.
And Brisbane Broncos teammate and victorious NSW centre James Roberts reckons he'd fit right in.
Ofahengaue has been floated as a potential replacement for Jarrod Wallace, who underwhelmed in two appearances for the Maroons this year and is at risk of losing his spot for the final match of the series at Suncorp Stadium on July 11.
The 22-year-old has established himself as an NRL regular this season and had another taste of representative football on the weekend with an impressive stint off the interchange in Samoa's 38-22 win over Tonga.
Ofahengaue was called into Queensland camp during game one and while he wasn't picked, looms as a solid long-term forward option as Walters looks to regenerate his squad to combat a youth-driven Blues outfit.
"If Kevvy gives me a go, I know I can back myself to do a job off the bench," Ofahengaue told reporters on Wednesday.
"Obviously at the weekend it was a tough game and one of those games where they just needed experienced players with Tim Glasby and stuff there.
"(Walters) was telling me I was close. If I keep performing well hopefully one day I'll be there."
Ofahengaue played 52 minutes for Tonga on Saturday, running the ball 15 times for 117 metres.
But he said he would happily can his international ambitions if the Maroons came calling.
Ofahengaue was born in New Zealand but grew up in Brisbane and said he has long dreamed of pulling on Queensland colours.
"Everything revolved around Queensland winning," he said.
"My era was when they went on that eight-year winning streak ... that really inspired us to do our best. It'd mean the world to me and my family.
"I know the (eligibility) rules and I know how it works. I can play Tonga and I can also hopefully play for Queensland one day."
Roberts believes it's only a matter of time until he and Ofahengaue are on opposing sides in an Origin series.
"I think he'd be great," the Blues centre said.
"He's been really good for us, he brings a lot of energy and he's a strong player as well. Hopefully he does get a crack."
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