Up and coming Rabbitoh Cam Murray all but certain of a State of Origin call up

Up and coming Rabbitoh Cam Murray is all but certain to make his Origin debut with the 21-year old only needing to make it through the final match to ensure his selection.

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South Sydney lock Cameron Murray is just 21 and has played only 44 NRL games but is on the verge of a call-up into the NSW squad for State of Origin I in Brisbane.

The Daily Telegraph has been reliably informed that Murray needs only to come through Saturday night’s match against Wests Tigers unscathed to be selected.

Coach Brad Fittler will name his squad for the opening game on Sunday at 6pm, meaning fringe players have just 80 minutes to muscle their way into what will be a powerful Blues side.

NSW’s coaching hierarchy will hold a selection meeting Wednesday night, where just three or four spots are expected to be up for debate.

Murray has been a standout all year. Picture by Phil Hillyard.

The Daily Telegraph understands:

● Penrith’s Nathan Cleary still has plenty of support from inside the NSW selection room;

● Cronulla halfback Chad Townsend seems to be garnishing more support each week;

● Roosters star Luke Keary has done enough to be picked;

● Parramatta’s Blake Ferguson and Canberra’s Nick Cotric are fighting it out to replace the injured Tom Trbojevic on the wing; and

● Panthers five-eighth James Maloney is almost certain to be dumped.

Cleary’s Panthers and Ferguson’s Eels play at Bankwest Stadium on Thursday night.

Murray is in just his third year in the NRL but his tough, uncompromising style appeals to Fittler and his coaching staff.

He is averaging 60 minutes and 32 tackles a game this season, as well as 12 offloads and 27 one-on-one tackles.

“The type of game Murray plays, it’s really hard for him not to be in a deep part of the conversation,” Fittler said.

“He is playing big minutes, is tough, never shirks any work, he does everything you want. He is definitely in the conversation.

Murray is all but certain to make his Blues debut. Picture by Phil Hillyard.

“Not only is he everything we’re about in terms of what he is doing for his club, he does everything good off the field.”

Rabbitohs teammates Damien Cook (NSW) and Dane Gagai (Queensland) are also certainties for game one on June 5, while Souths halfback Adam Reynolds and five-eighth Cody Walker continue to push their chances.

It is understood Cleary is also still well in contention to retain his spot at halfback despite his modest form this season.

There is a line of thinking that Cleary’s game will improve significantly alongside NSW’s other quality players.

After four successive man-of-the-match performances, Newcastle’s Mitchell Pearce is also being discussed.

Asked about the halfback situation, Fittler said: “The good thing is — whichever way we go — I have had an association with most of the halves.

“I feel comfortable when I know someone. It allows me to understand them better.

“I have coached Adam Reynolds a few times, I’ve coached Chad Townsend, I’ve coached Mitchell and I’ve coached Nathan.

“All of those that are in line. We are quite comfortable there.

“I have found the last couple of weeks that you think you’re set and then something happens, then you think you’re set again and then something happens.

“I’ve got four or five back-up teams, so I feel like I’m prepared for any injury or situation. You have to be these days.”