Newcastle legend Adam MacDougall has thrown former teammate Kurt Gidley’s name up as a contender for NSW’s No 9 jumper for the crucial State of Origin decider.

Gidley has hardly been mentioned in the debate over who should replace incumbent Robbie Farah should he be unfit to line up at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday week.

The 33-year-old Knights utility played 12 games for the Blues between 2007 and 2011, has captained the state, and represented Australia a dozen times.

He is bound for the Super League next year and this would be his last chance to pull on a NSW jumper.

Farah has been named as hooker for Origin III but continues to be hampered by a broken hand.

His most likely replacement, Michael Ennis, is trying to exploit an NRL loophole to be available if needed.

Another option for NSW coach Laurie Daley is in-form St George Illawarra rake Mitch Rein.

But MacDougall is confident Gidley wouldn’t let anyone down if called upon to represent his state one last time.

‘‘They could do a lot worse than pick Kurt there,’’ MacDougall said.

‘‘I wouldn't rule it out, I think he could do a good job for them.

‘‘I really think he's proven himself at that level before, he adds a lot of versatility and he's really dangerous at hooker.

‘‘He's played some of his best footy in Origin at the hooking role.’’

Gidley is considered one of rugby league’s most versatile players, and has represented NSW at hooker and fullback.

He has also slotted into the halves and centres when required.

MacDougall himself represented NSW and Australia a combined 22 times during a 16-year playing career.

He played every game of the 2000 Origin series when NSW whitewashed Queensland to win 3-0.

The Blues only broke an eight-year Maroons winning streak last year, and MacDougall says NSW must win in Brisbane next week to stop the 2014 victory fading from memory.

‘‘We don't want it to be a fleeting memory, one victory over the course of 10 years,’’ he said.

‘‘We certainly need some bragging rights and I think they've got the team to do it again this year.’’

MacDougall also warned NSW not to underestimate Queensland rookie Dane Gagai when he makes his Origin debut next week.

The talented Knights centre will line up on a wing for the Maroons, and MacDougall knows just how dangerous he can be.

‘‘(It is) arguably one of the greatest Origin teams ever, so to crack into that Queensland side shows he's obviously playing some great football and good on him,’’ MacDougall said.

‘‘He's been a real shining light for the Knights this year...he's a good kid and he's playing some good footy.’’