Wighton's stunning form following his switch to five-eighth has brought the Raiders No.6 into the mix for NSW Blues title defence.

The Canberra Times revealed Wighton's utility value would make him invaluable in the Origin arena, with Blues selectors having discussed him during their meetings.

But Papalii said it wasn't just Wighton's utility factor that made him perfect for Origin.

"If I was the selectors I would definitely be looking at Jack," he said.

"He's one of those excitement [machines]. He's tough, he's a good defender, obviously a good attacker, he's good under the high ball.

"I think Jack's not even looking at Origin to be honest. He's been in that circle of talk before. His chances are looking very high this year.

"He wouldn't be a spot in the [defensive] line and he's one of the best I've seen with the ball as well.

"NSW have a really good option there."

Wighton was called into the Blues squad in 2014 and has been in emerging Origin squads as well.

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Papalii said Wighton's maturity has helped, which has also been a factor in his switch from custodian to five-eighth.

"I think he is [ready]. He's definitely playing like he's ready and that leadership of him going from a young boy to a senior player's definitely made that transfer very smooth," Papalii said.

"If he was to be selected, I wouldn't want to be playing on the other side."

In terms of himself, Papalii has set his sights on a Maroons starting spot.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters told The Canberra Times he's definitely in the mix.

NRL ROUND NINE

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium, 2pm.

Raiders squad: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Michael Oldfield, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Sam Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson (c), 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Ryan Sutton. Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Bailey Simonsson, 16. Sia Soliola, 17. Corey Horsburgh. Reserves: 18. Aidan Sezer, 19. Emre Guler, 20. Royce Hunt, 21. Jack Murchie.

Roosters squad: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Victor Radley, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Boyd Cordner (c), 12. Angus Crichton, 13. Isaac Liu. Interchange: 14. Nat Butcher, 15. Zane Tetevano, 16. Sitili Tupouniua, 17. Mitchell Aubusson. Reserves: 18. Lindsay Collins, 19. Josh Curran, 20. Lachlan Lam, 21. Sam Verrills.