Cowboys head coach Todd Payten believes Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater could do much worse than select Murray Taulagi and Valentine Holmes for game one against New South Wales.
The Cowboys are priced at 1/4 to finish in the top eight of the NRL and currently sit in third spot on the ladder after a fine start to the 2022 campaign.
Star duo combine
They have been helped in part by the performances of Taulagi and Holmes who have combined well together and deserve a shot at Origin according to Payten.
"He (Taulagi) is really starting to believe how good he can be," Payten said. "He's at that sweet spot where he's starting to understand what the NRL is about. I don't think it's a stupid idea if they (Queensland) want to go for combinations. They've got a really good one together."
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Competition will of course be fierce for a spot on the wing. Slater has a wealth of talent to choose from. Cowboys teammate Kyle Feldt, Melbourne's Xavier Coates and Brisbane duo Corey Oates and Selwyn Cobbo are all in the frame for just two spots.
Taulagi in top form
Taulagi is just delighted to be playing well and says that is down to Payten who is getting the best out of his as the Cowboys have picked up seven wins so far this season.
"Toddy's probably a bit biased," Taulagi said "I don't think I'd be playing the way I am without his coaching. If I do get a phone call (from Slater) then hopefully it's good news."
