Cooper Cronk connection has Luke Keary primed for Origin

Luke Keary says he would be comfortable wearing the NSW No.7 jersey — and it's all thanks to a Queensland legend.

Luke Keary has learned plenty off Cooper Cronk.

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Luke Keary says he would be comfortable wearing the NSW No.7 jersey — and it's all thanks to a Queensland legend.

After years of being dubbed a future Blue, Keary, 27, is suddenly firming in his Origin halves battle with incumbent NSW and Penrith halves James Maloney and Nathan Cleary.

Speaking on The Sunday Footy Show, Blues coach Brad Fittler confirmed Keary was being considered for both halves positions, thanks to his extraordinary form at No.7 for the Roosters.

And the reigning Clive Churchill medallist on Sunday revealed he was finally happy to play the more composed, controlling role of a seven thanks to the lessons learnt from halves partner and Maroon great Cooper Cronk.

Keary said he had "learnt a lot about football" since Cronk arrived at Bondi Junction, enabling him to take over the side when the former Melbourne Storm favourite has been out.

Luke Keary has learned plenty off Cooper Cronk.

"If you'd told me 12 months ago I had to play seven, I wouldn't have been too happy,” Keary said. “But today I know what I'm doing and how to get the job done.

"Playing six, I don't think about too much except for what's happening in front of me right at that time.

"But at seven I have to think about plays and sets in advance — where we want to start, where we want to finish, how the game is flowing, how we're feeling and they're feeling … so I've learnt a lot about how a game works.

"Coops has taught me a lot. He's been doing it for 15 years. I still enjoy playing six because it gives me the freedom to pick my moments. But it's been an enjoyable couple of weeks to play a different role.”

Cooper Cronk trains with the Roosters on Sunday. Picture: Adam Yip

NSW fullback James Tedesco said Keary had become the complete playmaker alongside Cronk.

"Luke's really evolved as a player," Tedesco said. "A couple of years ago, he was just a running five-eighth but now he's turned into a controlling halfback.

"The way his leadership and experience has grown, he can control and be halfback or he can cause some trouble with his running, passing and kicking game as well.

"Before Luke played off the cuff, played what he saw. But now, while still able to do that, he has taken some of Cooper's stuff on board and evolved in that way.

"He's the complete player."

Tedesco said Keary's composure and defence also made him suitable for Origin.