He may be just 19 and only one year into his NRL career, but Tom Trbojevic is ready for State of Origin, declares Manly teammate Brett Stewart.
Former NSW fullback Stewart backed Blues legend Andrew Johns' call for big winger Trbojevic to be among players blooded by NSW coach Laurie Daley this year in the wake of the 2015 series loss and 52-6 humiliation in the decider.
Stewart said he held no fears about Trbojevic being too young and inexperienced after just 14 first grade games to date, declaring him ready.
"Obviously he's still pretty early on in his career but I think (Johns) has hit the nail right on the head there," Stewart said on Tuesday.
"I could see him in a sky blue jersey and an Australian jersey down the track.
"I'm a big believer that if you're good enough then you're old enough. I believe he's good enough."
Trbojevic did his best to deflect Johns' praise, claiming he hadn't seen his comments, before later revealing to reporters that he had but felt so humbled by them he didn't know how to respond.
Asked if he was ready for Origin, Trbojevic said: "I've never been out there but I'd give it my best shot."
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