North Queensland winger Kyle Feldt reckons he can’t do much more to earn a State of Origin debut.
However, plenty of hard work still lies ahead for the Cowboys flyer if his battling side are to end South Sydney’s winning streak in Sunday’s “away” clash in Cairns.
Feldt appears in the Maroons mix before July 11’s Origin dead rubber in Brisbane after being called into the Queensland game two camp as a development player.
He spent the week with the Maroons but still had no idea whether he was close to a call-up before Queensland’s Origin III team is named on Sunday night.
“The week was good down there, getting to know what goes on in the lead-up to an Origin,” Feldt said.
“I really enjoyed it but I am not too sure how close I am (to being picked).
“Obviously it would be great to get a run. I just have to keep playing consistent footy.”
But Feldt added: “I don’t think there is too much more I can do really (to be picked).
“I am happy with the way I am playing. I am doing the best that I can.
“It’s up to the selectors but I would give it my best shot (if picked).”
North Queensland – second-last with four wins from 15 rounds – will need Feldt at his best if they are to stop juggernauts South Sydney.
The Rabbitohs are aiming to clinch eight straight wins for the first time since 1989.
Feldt said they were taking confidence from their round 11 clash when the Rabbitohs got a scare before sealing a last gasp 20-19 win over North Queensland.
“We know we can stick with them. It’s just capitalising on our chances. We are trying to make a good charge at the back end of the season,” he said.
The Cowboys have won eight of the past 10 games against South Sydney including the last two Cairns clashes.
“I know they will be desperate and will be sitting here waiting for us,” South Sydney coach Anthony Seibold said.
“They have a good record over the Rabbitohs in Cairns over the last couple of seasons and we were quite fortunate to get a result against them last time.
“We understand it is a big challenge.”
North Queensland still look like they face a bigger test lining up against a Rabbitohs side that has led the competition in points per game (27.4), tries per game (4.4) and line breaks (6.9) since round nine.