After producing the highlight reel moment of the NRL's Magic Round, North Queensland winger Murray Taulagi has been backed to make his State of Origin debut.
Taulagi scored two tries and clocked up 165 running metres in the Cowboys' 36-12 win over Wests Tigers, but it was his try assist which will be played over and over.
The 23-year-old was being dragged towards the sideline in the eighth minute but at the last moment lifted his feet off the ground and threw a no-look offload to Scott Drinkwater, who touched down.
Even Benji Marshall - forever remembered for his flick pass in the 2005 grand final - was taken aback, declaring on Fox Sports that Taulagi's audacious handling was better than his.
"I was lucky enough that Drinky was there," Taulagi said.
"It was Magic Round and sometimes magic can happen.
"I run in opposed sessions against Connelly Lemulemu and he often tips me over the sidelines so I've been practising that.
"It was a bit of luck, skill and hard work."
Taulagi has been one of the standouts for the Cowboys this year, and has enjoyed a blossoming chemistry with centre Valentine Holmes.
Coach Todd Payten has overseen seven wins to have the Cowboys in third spot after 10 rounds and suggested Queensland coach Billy Slater should consider deploying the pair together in Origin I on June 8.
"He (Taulagi) is really starting to believe how good he can be," he said.
"He's at that sweet spot where he's starting to understand what the NRL is about.
"I don't think it's a stupid idea if they (Queensland) want to go for combinations. They've got a really good one together."
Taulagi also qualifies for New Zealand and Samoa but has declared his allegiance with the Maroons.
He faces stiff competition from Cowboys teammate Kyle Feldt, Melbourne's Xavier Coates and Brisbane duo Corey Oates and Selwyn Cobbo for a wing spot but was heartened by his coach's show of faith.
"Toddy's probably a bit biased," Taulagi said.
"I don't think I'd be playing the way I am without his coaching.
"If I do get a phone call (from Slater) then hopefully it's good news."
