Melbourne Storm lock Dale Finucane has revealed he hasn't heard anything from NSW selectors since he was overlooked for the Origin opener earlier this month.
Finucane was somewhat surprisingly left out of the NSW side that fell to an 18-14 loss to Queensland in game one of the 2019 series and is still awaiting a first Origin jersey for the Blues, despite some consistent form with the Storm over the last few seasons.
A wrist injury to David Klemmer has opened the door for an additional forward to be included in the Blues squad for Origin II in Perth later this month, but Finucane doesn't know whether he is in contention for a call-up.
"I haven't heard from anyone at New South Wales rugby league at all," Finucane said on Wednesday.
"I did hear before game one that I wouldn't be a part of the squad... but I haven't heard anything [since] to be honest."
Finucane has been one of the most consistent forwards in the competition this season, with the 27-year-old running for almost 125 metres and averaging more than 30 tackles a game.
The Bega product believes his start to 2019 has been the best of his career to date and that's why he won't give up on his Origin dream.
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"I would love to be involved in an Origin team or an Origin squad," Finucane said.
"It is something that everyone aspires to and wants to be a part of and I feel like I have been playing quite consistently this year in comparison with other years.
"It is something that is up to NSW coaching staff and the powers that be, so if it comes about for me I would be grateful for the opportunity."
The NSW squad for Origin II will be chosen after the completion of the upcoming round of matches and Finucane knows a good performance this weekend against the in-form Knights could pave the way for a call-up to Brad Fittler's squad.
The Knights travel to Melbourne as the hottest team in the league courtesy of a six-game winning streak and Finucane knows the Storm will be in for a tough battle at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon.
"They are a very aggressive team... they are a side that like to compress up in defence and really get up in your face and limit your metres," Finucane said of the Knights.
"That starts in our forwards, so that is a challenge for our forward pack to try and combat that."
