Luke Keary the player NSW Blues build their future around

WATCH: He was born in Queensland and grew up supporting the Maroons, but according to the Monday Bunker panel Sydney Roosters star Luke Keary shapes as NSW’s man for the future.

He was born in Queensland and grew up supporting the Maroons, but Sydney Roosters star Luke Keary shapes as NSW’s man for the future.

The 2018 Clive Churchill Medallist has surged into contention for a maiden State of Origin jumper after starting the season with a bang, including leading a Cooper Cronk-less Roosters to victory against Manly at the weekend.

The Monday Bunker panel were in agreement that Keary had put his hand up for a spot in Brad Fittler’s Blues side.

“He would be the first half I’d pick in the NSW side and I’d let (James) Maloney and (Nathan) Cleary fight for the other spot,” The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield said.

WATCH THE MONDAY BUNKER PANEL TALK ABOUT LUKE KEARY IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE

Luke Keary has been in superb form for the Roosters. Picture: AAP

Ipswich-born Keary was drafted into Blues camp last year as cover for an injured Maloney but wasn’t required to play.

While Cleary and Maloney led NSW to a drought-breaking victory in 2018, the form of 26-year-old Keary since then — including the grand final triumph over Melbourne and making his Test debut for Australia — has been irresistible.

“You can’t leave Luke Keary out of the team,” The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Crawley said.

“As he showed in the grand final, as he showed on the weekend without Cronk, he can run the team. He can be the man that the Blues build their future around.”

WATCH THE MONDAY BUNKER PANEL TALK ABOUT LUKE KEARY IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE