They may be vying for the same spot but Brisbane's Josh McGuire has nominated Gold Coast prop Jarrod Wallace as a dark horse to replace Matt Scott in the Queensland front row.
McGuire's Brisbane teammate Korbin Sims and Sydney Roosters bruiser Dylan Napa are considered leading contenders for what looms as a new-look Queensland pack.
One front row vacancy exists after North Queensland confirmed Test prop Scott had suffered a season-ending knee injury in their epic extra-time NRL win in Brisbane on Friday night.
The jury also remains out on whether Queensland coach Kevin Walters' Origin loyalty extends to the other incumbent Maroons prop, Manly's out-of-sorts Nate Myles.
McGuire is expected to either slot into the front row or wear Queensland's No.13 jersey left by the retired Corey Parker but he believes Scott's No.8 wouldn't look out of place on Titans rival Wallace.
Ex-Bronco Wallace has already formed a promising partnership with NSW Origin contender Ryan James in his first two games with the Titans, averaging almost 128m a match, but their efforts have been overshadowed by Gold Coast's winless start and horror injury run.
McGuire believed selectors should sit up and take notice of Wallace, who he befriended during the Titans recruit's five seasons at Brisbane.
"He is another they should look at," McGuire said. "I think he can put his hand up as well. Wal wouldn't let anyone down."
However, it seems Wallace is already on Walters' radar after inviting the Gold Coast forward to the pre-season Emerging Maroons camp.
Also believed to be in forward calculations for Origin are Melbourne's fellow camp members Felise Kaufusi, Tim Glasby and Christian Welch.
Either way, McGuire believed they had the depth to cover the tireless Scott's absence.
"Matt Scott is a big loss but I am sure someone will be able to fill the role," McGuire said.
"Korbin is very capable. And I think Dylan Napa will be there.
"He is a very classy player, a big body that you need in Origin and he's aggressive."
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