McInnes claimed his second straight club player of the year gong on Sunday night, something that turned into a double celebration as he was also named in Brad Fittler's extended NSW squad.

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Whether he can crack the final 17 is another question, but Young - who represented his state and country as a player - said his skipper's demonstrated ability to play in the back-row will be a big plus at the selection table.

"It's hard to know until you step foot in that arena but Cam's been pretty consistent for the last few years and I'm sure if he got selected in the team he wouldn't let anyone down because it's just not in his make-up," Young said.

"He just gives his best regardless of the situation or the circumstances. He can play lock as good as he can play hooker, I think for any coach to have that is a bonus.

"You look at Brandon Smith for Melbourne, someone who can do that brings real value to a team. Cam brings that versatility and hopefully that gets him in the Origin side."

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Young made it clear he'd subject players to a three-way test in his time as interim coach, measuring them on discipline, consistency and competing. He said McInnes typifies all three.

"It's why he's a very good captain and a great leader at this club, every day he walks through those gates he competes hard," Young said.

"His life is all about discipline and being consistent and he's been that this year for this club."