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Melbourne lock Dale Finucane says he's had his most consistent start to an NRL season as he looks to catch the eye of NSW's State of Origin selectors.
Melbourne forward Dale Finucane feels he can't do any more in the NRL to catch the eye of NSW's State of Origin selectors.
On the back of the Blues' opening Origin loss and injury to David Klemmer, there's been growing calls for a Finucane call-up for game two in Perth on June 23.
None louder that from Storm coach Craig Bellamy.
Before Melbourne's NRL clash with Newcastle at AAMI Park on Saturday, Finucane said no one from the NSW camp had reached out to him.
But he hoped they were taking notice of his consistently impressive form - averaging 111 run metres and 30 tackles a game, while he's also busted 19 tackles in 12 games.
"Obviously I'd love to be involved in an Origin team or an Origin squad; it's something that everyone strives to be a part of," the 27-year-old lock said on Wednesday.
"I feel like I've been playing quite consistently this year compared to other years - it's probably been my most consistent start to a year but it's up to NSW coaching staff and the powers that be."
Bellamy said he'd like to see Finucane rewarded.
"What he can add is a little bit more experience than some of the other (NSW) players and I just think he's a player made for Origin," Bellamy said.
"I see the amount of work he puts in, on and off the field, and he's a wonderful leader; and I know how desperate he is to play Origin and I think he deserves it."
The ladder-leading Storm are bracing for a big challenge from the fifth-placed Knights, who will have superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga back on deck after he sat out last round following Origin.
Newcastle have won their past six games, with another victory their best streak since 2002.
Melbourne are coming off a comprehensive 32-10 win over the Warriors in Auckland.
While Newcastle will be missing Klemmer, who has a wrist injury, Finucane was expecting plenty of action through the middle.
"They are a side that likes to get up in your face and try to limit your metres as much as they can," he said.
"They'll be wanting to start fast so that's a challenge for our forward pack."