Despite Paul Green's reservations about Coen Hess's readiness for the State of Origin arena, Johnathan Thurston has given the thumbs up to the North Queensland giant being sized up for a Maroons jumper.
After yet another blockbusting effort in the Cowboys' 32-6 smashing of Parramatta in Darwin on Saturday, calls are growing louder for Hess's name to be read out on Monday when Queensland coach Kevin Walters announces his squad for game two.
As well as racking up his 10th try of the season - putting him at No.3 on the NRL's tryscorer list - he also ran for 99 metres in a sparkling 46-minute effort off the bench.
His aggression and power were on display as he smashed Mitchell Moses in a tough but legal shot as the Eels playmaker kicked downfield.
It was also his decoy run which pulled in the attention of the defenders and allowed Thurston to cross early in the second half and all but seal the result.
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Cowboys coach Green last month questioned whether Hess, at 20, was ready for the rigours of Origin but Thurston said he had no doubt he could stand up if he was picked for Origin II on June 21.
He pointed to Greg Inglis and Israel Folau, who were both blooded at a young age and flourished in the Origin arena.
"I think he'd handle it if he gets the opportunity," Thurston said.
"I haven't spoken to Kevvie too much about him. We'll wait and see."
Veteran prop Nate Myles is set to miss Queensland's must-win game two with a knee injury while the Maroons are in bad need of an injection of fresh blood after the Origin I thumping, opening the door for Hess.
Green bristled at suggestions Hess was not putting up his hand for an Origin call-up following the 190cm, 111kg forward's comments that he didn't believe he should be picked.
The Cowboys mentor's decision to move Hess from the left edge into the centre of the field continues to pay dividends as his charge turned in yet another sterling performance.
Green admitted Hess had struggled defending around the ruck last year and was sent to the edge to iron out some deficiencies in his game.
"It was probably good for him. He played (in the middle) a little bit last year and he didn't handle it so well," Green said.
"I thought we should give him a bit more time on the edge where he's more comfortable and played all of his career.
"Now we've moved him back in there. It also gives us our pack a better balance."
