Manly powerhouse Haumole Olakau'atu has made a compelling case for a NSW recall as speedster Tolutau Koula also gave Laurie Daley a timely reminder in a 46-18 whipping of Wests Tigers.
Olakau'atu is in career-best form and was a fearsome prospect on the right edge where he terrorised the Tigers' defence in what was a virtual perfect performance on Saturday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.
It appears a fait accompli that the towering second-rower will soon add to the two State of Origin matches he played in 2024.
"I don't think he can do any more. Haumole has been outstanding the whole season and our near-best player each and every week" beaming Manly coach Kieran Foran said.
"I thought the guys set the game up in the first 20 minutes, physically. There was plenty of intent and they got the reward."
Koula beat five Tigers defenders in a 55m rampage to the tryline in a dazzling fourth-minute effort which showcased the speed, strength and perfect balance of the Sea Eagles centre.
It was a Blues audition that he passed with flying colours. Even if Koula does not make the starting side at centre he would be a wonderful bench option with the ability to play anywhere in the outside backs.
The Sea Eagles have surged into fourth after being winless in their opening three matches under former mentor Anthony Seibold.
The undermanned Tigers have now suffered three heavy defeats in a row.
To make matters worse centre Taylan May aggravated a shoulder he previously injured and left the field in the 73rd minute.
"It's not good," Marshall said.
"I think it dislocated. He has to get a scan, but it could be his season.
"When you dislocate your shoulder and come back and rehab it - usually if you do it again there's a fair chance you're going to have surgery."
Manly winger Lehi Hopoate had a rollercoaster afternoon, put on report in the 16th minute for pushing referee Grant Atkins over while chasing a bomb and nine seconds later becoming the first Sea Eagle since Brett Stewart in 2006 to notch a try in seven consecutive matches.
Hopoate went off in the 47th minute, but later returned, for a HIA after being head-slammed by Patrick Herbert, who was put on report.
The Sea Eagles were on fire from the get-go. Koula set the scene before speed demon winger Jason Saab scored with a 60m sprint down the sideline.
Hopoate made it 18-0 inside as many minutes.
The Tigers had a brief period of promise and winger Luke Laulilii scored, but Olakau'atu thundered into the line and offloaded for dazzling fullback Clayton Laulolo to touch down.
Olakau'atu surged over after halftime and then Faulalo, who was superb, sent Saab in for his second. Prop Taniela Paseka stormed over after Tigers fullback Heath Mason was sin-binned for a professional foul.
Saab completed a well-deserved hat-trick to give coach Foran his sixth win in seven matches.
