An international comeback by Wendell Sailor gained a little more momentum, with former Australian test centre Chris Close calling for the in-form Dragons winger to be in an all-Queensland backline for the New Zealand clash.
The Kangaroos backline for the May 8 Anzac test is largely predictable, with Queenslanders expected to fill six of the available spots. The only position that appears up for grabs is the wing opposite Brisbane's Israel Folau.
The leading contenders appear to be Sailor's Dragons team-mate Darius Boyd, Canberra's Joel Monaghan and Manly's David Williams.
However, Close says selectors should reward Sailor for his return to form with an international recall eight years after the last of his 16 tests.
Only last week, Queensland coach Mal Meninga attended St George Illawarra training, where he spoke to Sailor and Boyd about the prospects of playing in this year's Origin series. A Maroons recall looks a more realistic option for the 34-year-old Sailor but Close believes his presence in the Australian side would send chills through the Kiwi camp, according to the Australian newspaper.
"I would put him in the Australian team," Close told the Australian. "Why not? He wouldn't let you down. He would terrorise those Kiwis.
"He would talk their ears off. They wouldn't be able to concentrate on their game. Dell wouldn't let up for a second on them."
Despite his recent run of form, Sailor appears a rank outsider for a test recall.
He didn't play against the Roosters last night because of the hamstring injury suffered last week.
However, Sailor is expected to return for the match against the Warriors in round eight, handing him the opportunity to mark New Zealand winger Manu Vatuvei the day before the test side is named.
"His form is good," Close said. "For a guy who has just come back into the game, I reckon his form is outstanding. There's nothing wrong with his speed, his agility and his toughness.
"He's hitting a few guys hard in defence. If they're going to pick the side on form, I reckon his selection would be fantastic," he told the Australian.
Even if Sailor misses out, the chances are strong that the Kangaroos will field an all-Queensland backline for the first time in more than 80 years. The last time it happened was in the third test against England in 1924.
Barring injury, Billy Slater, Folau, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston are expected to be named in the Kangaroos side.
Monaghan and Williams occupied the wing berths in the World Cup final last year.
League: Call for Sailor to get a test recall
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