Cronulla centre Jesse Ramien says he is ready for a State of Origin debut after sending NSW coach Michael Maguire a compelling message with a tough and terrific display against Brisbane.
Ramien made 190 metres from 20 willing runs in the 22-12 win on Saturday night to add to his already strong list of dynamic performances in 2024.
The 27-year-old is in the mix to replace suspended Blues centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in game two of the Origin series in Melbourne on June 26.
South Sydney's Latrell Mitchell and Newcastle's Bradman Best, slated to return from a hamstring injury in round 15 against Penrith, are two of his main competitors.
"It would be a dream come true and a real honour if I got to put on the Blues jersey but that can only come off the back of performing well for the Sharks," Ramien told AAP.
"I am ready but I can only control what I can control. Madge (Maguire) gave me a call earlier in the year before Origin, and after as well.
"I do feel like I am close. (Maguire) just said that I was in contention and I had a couple of big games coming up."
There was none bigger than against last year's grand finalists in front of 41,004 fans at a hostile Suncorp Stadium, the largest crowd ever for a Brisbane-Cronulla game at the venue.
Ramien stood up to show that he can rise to the occasion in the toughest arena.
It was a stellar display on the back of regular top-shelf performances.
"I have found consistency," he said
"It is about ensuring your best and worst games are not far apart and making sure you can find that seven out of 10 performance each week.
"Then with some of the flash stuff - a try or try assist - it takes it up to an eight or nine."
Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon, who played 11 games for NSW and won three series, said Ramien would fit right in to the Origin arena.
"He has been really consistent this year, Jesse," he said.
"I'd love to see him get a crack but you've got to respect the selection process. There are plenty of good candidates but it would be awesome for him.
"He has worked really hard. He is a valuable team member. The players love him and I am sure if he got a crack the (NSW) players would love playing with him."
