Daly Cherry-Evans predicts Haumole Olakau'atu will be a handful for his Queensland team to stop in State of Origin, as the Manly second-rower closes in on a debut for NSW.
Olakau'atu further pushed his Blues claims on Sunday, as he proved the difference along with his right-edge partner Cherry-Evans in Manly's 22-16 win over Wests Tigers.
Powerful as always on the edge of the pack, Olakau'atu helped lay on Manly's first try when he managed an offload from within his own half as three Tigers tried to take him to ground.
He also scored the Sea Eagles' second when he hit a gap and crossed untouched off the back of a Cherry-Evans pass.
His performances could not have come at a better time, one month out from selection for Game I in Adelaide on May 31.
NSW face questions over their back row, with Liam Martin battling injuries and South Sydney powerhouse Keaon Koloamatangi sidelined by a syndesmosis tear.
Angus Crichton will make his return on Anzac Day after a bipolar diagnosis, but has not played yet this year, while incumbent Siosifa Talakai is no certainty for selection.
Olakau'atu effectively made himself unavailable for Game II of last year's series due to a clash with the Pacific Test, but there is no such concern for the Tongan international this year.
Cherry-Evans jokingly interjected with a "no" when coach Anthony Seibold was asked if Olakau'atu should be in a Blues jersey this year, and admitted he would be hard for Queensland to stop.
"It looks like it's pretty hard (to tackle him)," Maroons captain Cherry-Evans said.
"It's been a real pleasure to play alongside him and watch his game grow. He is playing 80 minutes now.
"He is getting through a ton of work. No doubt he would be a handful."
Seibold also said he believed Olakau'atu had matured significantly this year, after being a contender for the Blues last year before his Tonga call.
"I am biased, but he has played 80 minutes every week," Seibold said.
"I feel like there is some maturity to his game. I feel like he has certainly given himself an opportunity to be in the conversations."
Sunday's attacking returns came a week after Olakau'atu rocked the NRL with his hit on Melbourne's Justin Olam.
Olakau'atu's fellow hitman in that tackle, Josh Aloiai, said the 24-year-old had to be picked for the Blues.
"Absolutely, he is ready for State of Origin," Aloiai said.
"There is no way they can't pick him. He is doing everything right at the moment."
