James Tedesco can't see Laurie Daley making any changes for the Blues must-win State of Origin clash at Suncorp Stadium, but that hasn't stopped his Wests Tigers teammates declaring he has to be there.
Tedesco was the Tigers' best in their 14-point loss to the Sydney Roosters on Sunday afternoon, setting up two tries and scoring the team's other in a stunning comeback performance.
But the talented fullback has all but given up hope on getting a Blue jersey this season, after a shoulder injury ruled him out of the series-opener.
"Everyone has been talking about Origin but I don't think there will be many changes made," Tedesco said.
"They were pretty good in game one so I can't see much changing.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"I haven't put much thought into it, it was pretty bad timing with the injury and missing those games."
Tedesco has now scored 10 tries in as many matches this year, while also setting up another seven for the Tigers and breaking the line nine times.
And although it's unlikely Laurie Daley would drop Blues fullback Matt Moylan after a promising debut, Tedesco's club halves want to see him in a NSW jersey this season.
"He's a superstar you know," Mitchell Moses said.
"You ask him to do something for you and he'll do it for you. Just having him out there just makes our job a lot easier as a half."
Luke Brooks added: "He's massive for our team and having him back.
"I think if he can put in a few good performances he can really be knocking on the door for State of Origin."
However 23-year-old Tedesco maintains he is in no rush to earn himself the prized representative jersey, having not received a call from Daley since the injury.
"I'm happy to be patient and if I can keep up my good form then hopefully a jersey will come my way," Tedesco said.
"But I'm not kicking stones, I'm still young - I've got plenty of time."
