Queensland coach Kevin Walters has strongly hinted Dylan Napa will make his State Of Origin debut during the upcoming series.
After a season-ending injury to Matt Scott and Corey Parker's retirement, Sydney Roosters prop Napa has a golden opportunity to lead the Maroons' pack and his form this season has impressed Walters.
"I think he's one of those players that really is going to play Origin at some stage," Walters told Fox Sports' NRL 360 on Monday.
"Hopefully he can keep himself going the way he is and it will be this year."
Walters said the 24-year-old Napa had been waiting in the wings for a couple of years.
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"He's been 18th man on a couple of occasions where we unfortunately had to omit him from last year's selection," Walters said.
He also admitted he had decided on a replacement for Johnathan Thurston if he wasn't fit in time for the series opener on May 31.
While he wasn't giving anything away, he did nominate Melbourne youngster Cameron Munster as being in the mix, along with Anthony Milford, Michael Morgan and Daly Cherry-Evans.
"(Munster) plays with Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith on a weekly basis," Walters said.
"He's a different style of player to the other guys, it's nice to have options like that.
"Milford and Morgan are similar players and DCE is a little bit different again. "DCE and Morgan have already played for Queensland so that's a bit of a leg up but I'm really excited by Milford too."
But the question over whether Billy Slater will reclaim his place at fullback at the expense of Darius Boyd has been more vexing for Walters.
"It's a difficult one for me personally, probably the hardest decision I've had to make in the Origin system," Walters said.
"Darius was so good for Queensland last year. I feel his best position is fullback for Queensland and Billy Slater's best position for Queensland is fullback.
"If he fits both players into the starting line-up, Slater will be in the No.1 jersey, pushing Boyd to the wing.
"I won't play Billy on a wing."
