Blake Ferguson ... ready for State of Origin? Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited
New South Wales skipper Paul Gallen has backed the selection of in-form Canberra Raiders star Blake Ferguson for the State of Origin series opener at ANZ Stadium on June 5.
Gallen told NRL360 on Wednesday night that the Raiders centre is made to play Origin and would be a handy addition to the Blues side.
With Brett Morris sidelined with injury, Gallen said he would pick Ferguson on the wing and use him as a strike weapon who the Blues halves could work with in an aerial assault on the Queenslanders.
"He’s just got that x-factor about him," Gallen said of why he would select Ferguson for the Blues.
"I think he’s getting that little bit more level headed off the field.
"...I've spent a lot of time with him; I’ve got a lot of time for him. He’s actually a really good kid.
"He’s a great player. He always has been. He's always had the ability to play Origin and I'd have him this year."
With Brett Stewart also sidelined with injury, Gallen has backed Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne to claim the role of fullback, a position he expects the Eels skipper to star in.
"I think he’ll really revel at being able to play fullback," Gallen said.
"I don’t think he's ever played a series at fullback and I think he'd want to.
"Jarryd can get a bit lazy in defence but I think you’ve seen over the past few weeks he’s been really good with saving tries.
"I think he’ll have a great series at fullback."
Meanwhile Gallen is confident of being fully fit for the series opener after having a knee brace removed from his leg following a knee injury in Cronulla Sharks' round eight win over Newcastle Knights.
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