Blake Ferguson and Jack de Belin in the frame for Country Origin selection

THREE years after being kicked out of an Origin camp Blake Ferguson is set to return to rep football via Country Origin.

Rugby League - Country Origin vs City Origin at Glen Willow Sporting Complex, Mudgee .Blake Ferguson hits the defensive wall .Pic;Gregg Porteous

BLAKE Ferguson, the man who boozed away a NSW Origin career, is now being invited to fight his way back in.

Three years after being banished from Camp Blue, Ferguson heads a shortlist of players being considered for what could be the last Country Origin side ever selected.

Already Country coach Craig Fitzgibbon has discussed potential selections with NSW Origin boss Laurie Daley — with the 26-year-old Roosters centre looming as the game’s biggest story.

Blake Ferguson is set to make his second appearance for Country.

Elsewhere, St George Illawarra forward Jack de Belin is also on track to make his representative debut at Tamworth’s Scully Park on May 8.

Canberra bopper Shannon Boyd and Melbourne prop Jordan McLean are also strong contenders for the bush pack, while Cronulla’s Jack Bird also looks set to return after receiving a shock debut last year.

While Fitzgibbon would not confirm specific contenders last night, he did heap praise on Ferguson’s continuing “transformation”, which he sees daily as Roosters assistant coach.

Making his Origin debut back in 2013, the Wellington native lasted only one game before a Coogee drinking session saw him axed by Daley, convicted of indecent assault and then removed from the NRL for a year.

“But I’ve been fortunate enough to witness the turnaround in Blake,’’ Fitzgibbon said. “To come into the Roosters each day and see how hard he’s working, not just in football but in life.

“As a player, he’s a real excitement machine.

Jack de Belin is set to make his rep debut.

“Obviously it’s now been a few years since he played Origin so I will have to speak with Laurie about what happens next.”

With the NRL tipped to scrap City-Country beyond 2016, tickets are already selling fast for the Scully Park event.

Indeed, CRL officials believes the ‘sold out’ sign could go up before game day.

“Which is why I really believe this concept has to stay alive,’’ Fitzgibbon said. “Exactly how the NRL do that, where it best fits in the schedule, that’s a decision for people way above me.

“But not only is this an important game for country football, it’s important for NSW.

Craig Fitzgibbon during his own rep days.

“It gives Laurie a chance to have a look at those Origin hopefuls who are knocking on the door. It also gives the player a chance to prove that he’s ready for the Origin arena.”

Of the 2015 Country Origin side, forward Josh Jackson looks set to retain his place in the Blues pack while Cronulla No.6 James Maloney will also be pushing for a NSW recall.

“A guy like Jimmy Maloney, he’s knocking on the door for Origin,’’ Fitzgibbon said. “He’s played at the highest level several times and I would expect Laurie will want to see him go around again.

“But there is still plenty of time before selections are finalised. Anything can happen.

“At the end of the day, we’ll pick a side that not only has the NSW Origin side in mind, but one that best represents NSW Country.”

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Originally published as Blake Ferguson and Jack de Belin in the frame for Country Origin selection