Cotric has been left out of Fittler's 20-man squad with the NSW Blues searching for a second State of Origin series win in 13 years against the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night.

Fittler called Cotric on Saturday night to break the news but reinforced the message that he is still on the radar, telling him to "keep doing what you’re doing".

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has already declared Cotric "the best winger in the competition" and the 19-year-old flyer is still hoping to bust the door open and earn a debut in game three - a potential series decider.

The electrifying teenager was so close to an Origin debut in game one he could almost taste it but he is refusing to let a near miss keep him down, adamant he took plenty from the eye-opening camp.

"It’s a big learning curve for me, I’m still young so I’ve got a lot of improving to do," Cotric said.

"It was a good learning curve for me, it was good to meet the other boys from the other teams, the superstars from the other teams. It was good to see how they prepare for a game, the extras they do.

"I learnt a bit from that camp and it was just a good experience. It was just great to be a part of the squad. I’ve always dreamt of being a part of Origin and to see what it’s like and to see what it’s about really opened my eyes.

"We’ll see what happens [ahead of game three], just keep training hard and working hard over the weekends. We’ll see what results we get. Fingers crossed, we’ll see what happens."

Fittler told Cotric he is "a shadow player" which could keep him in the mix should disaster strike at any stage during the Blues' camp in Coogee this week.

While Cotric will be forced to wait at least three weeks for an interstate debut, his Canberra teammate Josh Papalii will hold his mantle as the Maroons' most experienced Origin forward.

Papalii churned out a monumental effort from the bench in game one and has ridden a wave of confidence into clubland after penning a four-year contract extension with the Green Machine.

The Blues remain raging favourites to win game two and wrap up a series victory in Fittler's first year in charge against a Queensland outfit buoyed by the inclusion of Newcastle whizkid Kalyn Ponga.

But Papalii remains anything but stressed - Queensland have been in this situation before. Look no further than their unprecedented era of dominance for proof they know how to pick themselves up off the canvas.

"Obviously last week I didn't want to talk about Origin, I really wanted to focus on the Green Machine," Papalii said.

"I had a good week for myself and re-signed with the club for another four years and that’s something I’m very proud of. I fly out [on Monday] and hopefully do a job next Sunday, and hopefully deliver for the Queensland people.

"Queensland has been in this situation before so I think we’ll be alright. All the boys are pretty buzzed up and will be ready to go.

"It doesn’t bother me [which position I play]. As long as I’ve got a jersey on my back, hopefully I just do a job for the team.

"It’s a young team, so hopefully the boys bring their energy next Sunday and do a job."