North Queensland coach Todd Payten believes fullback Scott Drinkwater could be a bolter for State of Origin III as NSW look to avoid a series whitewash.
Drinkwater has starred for the Cowboys in their unbeaten run during the Origin period, with Payten's men claiming three straight scalps against top-eight sides.
The 26-year-old Penrith-born fullback had a career-high 186 run metres against South Sydney in round 17, to go with 12 tackle busts, four try assists and three line breaks.
Against the Panthers a week earlier, the fleet-footed flyer beat five tacklers in the final minute of golden point to seal a miraculous home victory.
And in a 45-20 drubbing over Melbourne, Drinkwater had a pair of try assists but showed his defensive worth as the Cowboys ran away with the game late.
Drinkwater's 16 try-assist tally has him fourth overall in the NRL in just 13 games played after serving a three game suspension earlier this year for a high shot against Brisbane.
Payten says his run of form should certainly have Drinkwater in NSW coach Brad Fittler's mind.
"He's not far away. I think he could handle it," Payten said on Friday.
"There's more to being a fullback than setting and scoring tries, but if they're looking for points then Scotty is their man.
"Those other guys offer different things, get out of their own end, organising the D line, all that sort of stuff.
"What I've admired about Scott is he's taken his game to another level on the back of last year, and just how focused he is around the group, engaged in all our meetings leading from the front.
"He's been a really good player for us now and for a long period."
It would be a bold call for Fittler to drop Blues captain James Tedesco for game three even amid a recent form slump.
However, Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards shapes as his likely replacement should Fittler wield the axe.
But if the changes go further and Fittler looks beyond 2023, Payten is convinced where his fullback sits in the conversation.
"He's playing well and his name should be mentioned in that space," he said.
"Whatever they decide to do, they'll decide to do and fingers crossed Drinky will get a shot and if it's not this year it'll be down the track."
