Mitchell Pearce has put his hand up for the State of Origin decider, describing his previous combination with James Maloney as a happy time in his career.
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As incumbent NSW halfback Nathan Cleary races the clock to overcome an ankle injury, Pearce declared himself in good shape after niggling injuries affected his selection chances for the first two games.
"It's probably the best I've ever felt at the back end of the year," Pearce said.
"We've got nine games to go, it's the best I've felt for a while. Last year I only played as many games as I have now this season. I'm feeling really fresh."
Should Cleary be ruled out, 18-game Origin veteran Pearce will come into contention to partner former teammate Maloney in the Blues' halves at ANZ Stadium on July 10.
Pearce and Maloney steered the Sydney Roosters to a premiership in 2013.
"I love playing with Jimmy. We're good mates, I went to his wedding," Pearce said.
"I spent three years with him, we did plenty of things on and off the field in that time. We won a comp. We had a lot of success, we won two minor premierships. It was a happy time."
Pearce identified Maloney's unique footballing personality as his best attribute.
"We all say we don't care what anyone thinks. There's not many people who actually don't. In a sport like footy where you're criticised, it's a breath of fresh air, to have that personality in a cut-throat sport. That's his greatest quality," Pearce said.
Pearce's comments come as NSW coach Brad Fittler insisted he would give Cleary until Thursday to prove his fitness for the decider. Cleary is expected to be named in an extended squad on Monday night as he attempts to recover from an ankle injury suffered in game two. His possible inclusion comes after initial fears the Penrith star would be ruled out for up to six weeks.
However, scans revealed a high ankle sprain instead of a dreaded syndesmosis injury, giving him an outside chance of playing in game three. While Fittler has been reluctant to bring injured players into camp over his tenure, Cleary is set to be an exception given his role within the team.
Utility Wade Graham is another option after taking over from Cleary in Perth.
"The fact is (Cleary is) a link player. To bring in other link players makes a difference to the cohesion of your squad," Fittler said on the Nine Network.
"We really hope Nathan's fit and healthy.
"Tyson Frizell didn't run after game one, when he had the concussion, until about Friday. He was a very important part of our team last year.
"It's all very individual on how long you give someone. Our first real running session will be Thursday, I'd say. (Nathan would have) at least have up until then."
Prop David Klemmer is poised to be recalled for the decider, possibly in place of Tariq Sims or NSW rookie and Knights teammate Daniel Saifiti.
If selected on Monday, Sims will need to successfully contest a grade-two dangerous contact charge at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday to play.
LIKELY STATE OF ORIGIN III TEAMS
NSW v Queensland, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Wednesday, July 10, 8.10pm:
New South Wales: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Blake Ferguson, 3. Tom Trbojevic, 4. Jack Wighton, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. James Maloney, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Boyd Cordner (c), 12. Tyson Frizell, 13. Jake Trbojevic. Bench: 14. Dale Finucane, 15. Daniel Saifiti, 16. Cameron Murray, 17. Wade Graham.
Queensland: 1. Michael Morgan, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Will Chambers, 5. Kyle Feldt, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8. Dylan Napa, 9. Ben Hunt, 10. Josh Papalii, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Josh McGuire. Bench: 14. Moses Mbye, 15. Joe Ofahengaue, 16. David Fifita, 17. Tim Glasby.
