Bulldogs star Ben Barba pulls out stops for Maroons State of Origin selectors

REJUVENATED Dally M dynamo Ben Barba says he is ready for Origin after issuing a timely reminder to Queensland selectors on Friday night.

REJUVENATED Dally M dynamo Ben Barba says he is ready for Origin after issuing a timely reminder to Queensland selectors on Friday night.

Sidelined in March due to personal problems, Barba (pictured) made a last-ditch bid for a maiden Maroons jumper with a polished display in the Bulldogs' 24-14 defeat of the Broncos.

He scored a try and saved two others with superb front-on shots, giving Barba a sliver of Origin hope when Queensland selectors name their squad for game one tomorrow night.

The Sunday Mail understands Barba has left his run too late for the series opener, with Brisbane's Matt Gillett and Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans ahead of him in the pecking order for Queensland's interchange utility berth.

But Barba is convinced he can force his way into the Queensland squad this season.

"I think I'm ready for Origin but I have to get selected first in that great Queensland side," he said. "Hopefully, that performance (against the Broncos) won't do me any harm and if I'm selected I'll be stoked. If I'm not, I'll just be happy to have my name tossed up.

"It was a bit tough at the start of the year but I'm back now and my focus is on the footy and the Dogs.

"I learned a lot last year (as 18th man in Queensland camp). I don't think Origin is beyond me, but I'll keep doing well for the Dogs and, hopefully, get that Maroon jersey."

Barba produced more memorable attacking moments last season than he did on Friday night. He compiled 95m from nine runs, but Bulldogs coach Des Hasler was more pleased with Barba's all-round development.

The Mackay marauder's positional play was impressive and his defence was Origin-like, producing two first-half trysavers on Lachlan Maranta and Josh Hoffman to repel the Broncos.

Barba, however, is adamant he has yet to recapture the form that swept him to the Dally M gong last season.

"I'm not at my best yet, I feel I can still improve," he said.

"(Friday night) was just the start so, hopefully, I can build from there and go a bit better.

Broncos skipper and Queensland back-rower Sam Thaiday said Barba would not look out of place at Camp Maroon.

"It would be a great reward for him, especially with the ups and downs he's had at the start of the season. If he gets there, it would be good to see him in camp."