Jack Wighton is building a compelling case to fill injured Latrell Mitchell's starting centre spot for New South Wales in this season's first State of Origin game.
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But the humble Canberra star insists any position in the Blues' lineup would be an honour as the search for Mitchell's replacement continues to heat up.
While a five-eighth by trade, Wighton has been in the NSW 17 throughout the last three campaigns and started at centre on five occasions, including the entire 2020 series.
He appears the veteran option to fill the Mitchell void, with fellow contenders Stephen Crichton (21 years old), Matt Burton (22), Bradman Best (20) and Kotoni Staggs (23) all yet to play Origin football.
Clint Gutherson would be another contender, having paired with Wighton in the centres for each of the 2020 matches.
Quizzed on Thursday on whether he'd put his mind to starting at centre rather that his usual No.14 role as a bench utility, Wighton was non-commital, eager to play anywhere coach Brad Fittler might want him.
"I think you'd enjoy playing anywhere in Origin, whether you're on the bench, in the centres, five-eighth, front row, if you play Origin you enjoy it," he said.
"I always enjoy any position I get put in and that's one of the greatest honours you can get.
"That's all out of my control, all I can do is take the park this weekend and play my best footy for this great club and that's what I'm looking at doing."
Wighton is certainly making his case for inclusion with his sparkling play prompting Canberra coach Ricky Stuart to label it the best form of the 2020 Dally M medallist's career.
"That's a great compliment, it's only the start of the season, I'm having fun and doing everything I can personally," Wighton said.
"I'm really enjoying it and I think that's showing on the weekends.
"I'm just gonna keep up what I'm doing and keep enjoying things."
Meanwhile, Wighton is facing a battle with the NSW starting halves pair Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary when the Raiders (2-4) play unbeaten defending premiers Penrith on Sunday.
Wighton said he was excited to see his team test itself against the best.
"They've been class ... they've started the season on fire," he said.
"Everyone's gotta buy in and do their job and we're going to try and stop them coming at us."
Australian Associated Press
