EXCLUSIVE: Maroons icons Wally Lewis and Darren Lockyer push for Dragons star's Origin recall
Two of Queensland's greatest ever players have backed the push for Jaydn Su'A to earn a recall for the State of Origin opener after a dominant start to the NRL season.
The 26-year-old has been a consistent force for St George Illawarra this season, with the side winning as many games in 10 rounds as they did for the entirety of last year.
Su'A has been at the forefront of the side's new-found success under coach Shane Flanagan, producing the most consistent performances of his first grade career.
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Speaking on Nine's QLDER, Wally Lewis urged the selectors to bring Su'A into the Maroons side in the absence of a number of key forwards.
"I'm a huge fan of his," Lewis said.
Jaydn Su'A celebrates a try against the Rabbitohs in round 10. Instagram
"I think that he can play and certainly he will remind the Origin selectors of his worth.
"He is a lot tougher than he ever gets credit for and he is also a lot more skillful than he ever gets credit for.
"If he did get selected, it would make the guys around him feel quite comfortable."
Su'A played four games for Queensland in the 2020 and 2021 series, but hasn't featured at the Origin level since Billy Slater took over as coach.
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However, with the likes of Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Tom Gilbert on the sidelines, there are definitely some vacant spots in the forward pack and bench rotation.
And while Su'A is likely behind David Fifita and Jeremiah Nanai for a starting back-row position, Darren Lockyer believes his new-found consistency has put Slater on notice.
"Jaydn has been great at the Dragons this year," he said.
Jaydn SuA celebrates a try against Manly. Getty
"He's been there every week consistently, whereas he's struggled with injuries [in prior years] and I think he has enjoyed being coached by Shane Flanagan.
"We've always known he has been capable, but to get the best out of him each week has always been a challenge.
"There's a number of factors there, but he's happy and playing good."
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Across his nine appearances this season, Su'A has scored four tries and is averaging 121 run metres and 27 tackles per game - numbers much higher than his previous campaign in the Red V, which saw the side finish in the bottom-four.
Slater will select his team for the series opener at the conclusion of round 12.