North Queensland workhorse Joel Riethmuller made for Origin: Aaron Payne

COWBOYS great Aaron Payne has backed Joel Riethmuller to pinch a spot in Queensland's all-conquering Origin side.

Joel Riethmuller of the North Queensland. Pic Brett Costello

HE'S the 28-year-old Italian international with just 26 NRL matches to his name, but Cowboys great Aaron Payne reckons Joel Riethmuller can pinch a spot in Queensland's all-conquering Origin side.

The ultimate unheralded workhorse, Tully-born Riethmuller played 12 games in North Queensland's backrow last year, standing up late in the season when former Maroons stalwart Dallas Johnson went down with a knee injury.

Payne says if Riethmuller - who played in all three of Italy's matches at the World Cup - repeats his workmanlike displays for the Cowboys this season he will be steeled for the gut-busting cauldron of Origin.

"He's someone who I think can do some really super things,'' said Payne, now a development officer at the Cowboys.

"He filled in perfectly when Dallas went down and he's played for his country now and I don't think Origin is out of the question for him.

"He's the type of player you want beside you and if I was coaching he'd be the first player I'd pick in my side.''

While he's happy to talk up Riethmuller's representative credentials, Payne remains wary of again hyping up a talent-laden Cowboys outfit which took until late in the season to click.

Most pundits' pre-season favourites for 2013, North Queensland won just six of 18 matches to open the campaign, and not even a six-game winning run that salvaged a finals spot could save Neil Henry's post.

"They have got a great roster and a great mix of youth and experience but the biggest thing is making sure they don't have too much pressure on them,'' Payne said.

"I think it affected them last year and I think the key is making sure they are more relaxed this time.''

The Cowboys' fairytale surge came to a dramatic end in the elimination final against the Sharks, but Payne says that's unlikely to be a catalyst for revenge.

"We had a lot of things go against us but that's gone now,'' he said.

"It would be in the back of their minds but you can't let that worry you.''

The Cowboys' finals hopes again appear hinged on filling the hooker role vacated by Payne in 2012, with Scott Moore, Ray Thompson and Rory Kostjasyn failing to lock down the spot last term. Moore has been released from the remainder of his contract to return to the Super League.

"They have got a million options but it will be whoever plays well in the trials,'' Payne said.