Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Josh Reynolds in three-way battle for a halves spot in Blues side

CANBERRA’S Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer and Canterbury’s Josh Reynolds, are in a three-way battle to be named alongside NSW incumbent halfback Trent Hodkinson.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 10: Blake Austin of the Raiders scores a try during the round 18 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Newcastle Knights at GIO Stadium on July 10, 2015 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Postles/Getty Images)

BELMORE has the Bulldogs.

And on Monday night, the spiritual home of Canterbury will also boast the Blues.

In what shapes as the first audition in the countdown towards State Of Origin, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that halves rivals on Monday, Canberra’s Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer and Canterbury’s Josh Reynolds, are in a three-way battle to be named alongside NSW incumbent halfback Trent Hodkinson.

With NSW Origin and Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce requiring personal time to prove he has recovered from his off-field issues, it’s anticipated that he will be removed from any speculation and pressure to be fit for rugby league’s biggest stage by being overlooked for Origin I on June 1 at ANZ Stadium.

The anticipated omission of Pearce has left NSW coach Laurie Daley on the hunt for a new five-eighth to partner Hodkinson, with Reynolds taking an early and slender lead in the much-anticipated race to wear the famous sky-blue jumper.

It’s why despite there still being 59-days until Origin I, Monday night’s match means so much.

The passionate Bulldogs pivot has the runs on the board for NSW having combined with his former Dogs teammate Hodkinson to deliver the Blues their first series win over Queensland in eight years, in 2014.

Josh Reynolds is in the running to team-up with Trent Hodkinson for the Blues.

Should Hodkinson and Reynolds remain fit and in-form over the next five weeks, the odds of the pair being reunited will continue to firm as their selection will allow Daley and the Blues to hit the ground running from the opening day of their Coffs Harbour camp preparation.

Promising to reel in his at-times short fuse, Reynolds has commenced 2016 in strong fashion alongside Moses Mbye, propelling the Bulldogs to three wins from their first four matches.

Reynolds’ battle with Austin and Sezer will be worth the price of admission on the Terry Lamb Hill on Monday.

Austin and Sezer are both certain-starters for the Raiders having overcome early-season injuries.

It will be the first game the Raiders pair have played since their impressive round one victory over Penrith with Austin recovered from medial ligament damage to his knee, while Sezer’s broken cheekbone has also fully-healed.

Austin’s push for a Blues jumper commenced 12-months ago, with his blistering attack and support-play resulting in him being named Dally M five-eighth of the year.

Aidan Sezer during round one against the Panthers.

Sezer’s arrival in the ACT has provided the perfect foil for Austin, with his astute kicking and passing game and willingness to force his powerful frame through the defensive line, transforming Canberra into one of the most balanced halves combination in the competition.

Any questions over Sezer’s toughness and readiness for the battle of Origin have also been dispelled when in round one he played on and scored a try despite being unable to see out of his left eye as a result of the cheekbone injury.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said he was loathe to counsel Daley on who should be chosen in the Blues halves this year.

“I’ll only privately talk to Laurie about my opinion if he comes and asks for it,’’ Stuart said.

“I’m not going to put any public pressure on him. He knows what he’s doing.’’

Originally published as Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Josh Reynolds in three-way battle for a halves spot in Blues side