Some people may have thought Dale Finucane slipped out of State of Origin contention when succumbed to a thumb injury in Round 4.
However one man who didn't was new Blues coach Brad Fittler.
"Brad Fittler sent me a message after I did my thumb just letting me know I'd been going well and that sort of thing," Finucane said on Monday.
"I'd love to play for my state.
"It's something I'd love to achieve at some stage in my career.
"It's obviously a boost to know you're in the thoughts of the selectors."
Finucane joined NSW camp in 2017 as the 19th man for the series decider, it was a golden experience for him as he found his career best football in Melbourne.
The hard nosed lock realizes playing consistent football is all he can do to continue to push for representative honours and that is something the Bega product has made a habit of since the start of career.
The Origin speculation comes in the week of Finucane's 150th game, a milestone the 26-year old admits has crept up.
"It's come around really quickly actually," Finucane said.
"It doesn't seem that long ago that I made my debut at the Bulldogs.
"I'm proud personally to be able to achieve that this week but obviously my focus this week is on us and us being more consistent and improving as a football team."
Storm Media: Dale Finucane
