But after New South Wales physically outgunned their rivals for post-contact metres (1810 to 1449), tackle busts (143 to 108), tackle efficiency (87.95 per cent to 84.13 per cent) and offloads (48 to 18) last year, should a fledgling Dolphins prospect be launched into contention?

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Kulikefu Finefeuiaki admits he is not expecting a shock call-up into the Maroons fold, revealing he had not heard from Slater.

However, having idolised Greg Inglis for the way he imposed himself on the contest, the 21-year-old is eager to prove he has the aggression to make an impression in the interstate cauldron.

“That’s a goal, but right now, I just want to focus and play my best footy for the boys and the Dolphins,” Finefeuiaki said.

“I came here to do a job and get a starting spot, and now that Woolfy is putting me there I have to keep improving and getting better at my game.

“Woolfy [coach Kristian Woolf] said a big part of my game is bringing aggression both sides of the ball – I just want to do that for the boys. To play Origin would be a dream come true, but we’ll have to wait for that one.”