Canberra playmaker Campese is under intense pressure to retain the NSW No6 jersey, with Newcastle halfback Jarrod Mullen's stellar form prompting calls for Blues selectors to name him at five-eighth on Monday.

Alexander said Campese and Wallace had ''struggled'' in the Blues' series-opening loss to Queensland last month and called for changes for Origin II at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday week.

But he urged selectors to give Raiders linchpin Campese another chance, saying he had more to offer than Wallace.

''I'd probably play Mullen at halfback and Campese at five-eighth,'' Alexander said.

''I know there's talk about Mullen and Wallace, but I think Campese is a better player.

''He was the best playmaker in the game towards the back end of last year and the first month of this year.

''I just like what Campese can offer he can do it all when he's playing confident and doing it right.

''He can go through the line, he's big enough to bust tackles, he's got a good kicking game and he shows good vision.

''I know he's been a bit flat over the last month, but I'd be willing to give him a chance rather than Wallace.''

Campese will have his last chance to impress selectors when the Raiders take on Cronulla at Canberra Stadium tomorrow.

Teammate Joel Monaghan will also be pressing his claims, after being a surprise omission from game one.

Incumbent NSW centres Michael Jennings (calf and thumb) and Jamie Lyon (ankle) are both under injury clouds, while winger James McManus is under pressure to retain his position after a quiet Origin debut.

Alexander said Monaghan's previous representative experience meant he should play in game two.

''I can't see McManus getting another start, so it's got to be Monaghan, or David Williams or Brett Morris,'' he said.

''There's a few blokes putting their hand up, but I think the fact Joel has been there puts him ahead.

''Joel can offer a bit more than what the other blokes can do, too. He can slot into centre very comfortably, he's got an off-load in his game, he's good in the air and he's a big bloke.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times