RUGBY LEAGUE
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If Laurie Daley had one eye on Tyson Frizell as a possible State of Origin bolter before, the Dragons wrecking ball would have his full attention following Sunday's man-of-the-match performance at WIN Stadium.
Frizell was a standout in the 32-18 victory over Canberra, played in front of more than 13,000 supporters in Wollongong.
The Welsh international returned 13 runs for 132 metres, four tackle breaks, 28 tackles, two offloads and a try assist.
His game was highlighted by a freakish flick pass to set up Euan Aitken for a try in the first half, after running through a hole and receiving the initial offload from Mitch Rein.
Frizell's name has been floated in recent weeks as an outside selection for Origin I, given Paul Gallen and Greg Bird are both due to miss the series opener on May 27.
His Red V teammate Joel Thompson is another back-rower in contention for a spot in Daley's side.
Thompson scored a try in Sunday's win and ran for 144 metres, three tackle breaks and 21 tackles.
But Frizell was modest about both their chances of selection following the game.
"I was happy to do my role and what was best for the team," Frizell said of the win.
"If I get selected on the back of that, I'll be more than happy to put my hand up.
"I had an OK game, but it was good to get the win.
"It's good to see Joely play well too."
NSW coach Daley will announce his squad for Origin I on Tuesday.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor told media last week Frizell and Thompson could be playing for a place in the Blues team during the Raiders game.
"They've got a lot of competition, the back-rowers, but they can certainly put their hand up for an interchange spot for sure," McGregor said.
"I think when your team's in form, individuals get rewarded, and I'm a coach that's all for players getting representative honours."
The Dragons could potentially have four players representing NSW when the Blues kick off their series defence later this month.
Josh Dugan has already been told he is in the squad and Trent Merrin is considered as good as selected.
Both Dugan and Merrin merely needed to make it through Sunday's game unscathed, but there was a few nervous moments when the former appeared to have injured his neck in an awkward tackle.
McGregor is confident both players are deserving of a starting spot in Daley's 17.
"Josh's form speaks for itself, I think he'll be in there ... Trent has been playing some of the best football I've ever seen him play," McGregor said.