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South Sydney's Cameron Murray says while he can't match the NSW Origin incumbent backrowers for size he's hoping to use his skills to earn a call-up.
NSW Origin hopeful Cameron Murray knows he can't match the go-forward of incumbent backrowers so is focusing on other assets he can bring to the Blues.
The 21-year-old has been talked up for an Origin call-up on the back of some impressive performances after establishing himself as a regular starter for second-placed South Sydney this season.
His Rabbitohs teammate and Blues hooker Damien Cook this week described him as "built for Origin", pointing to his work-rate, speed and strength despite his size.
That size - only 90kg compared to Blues lock Jake Trbojevic's 107kg frame - is something that Murray is well aware of but believes he has other attributes that set him apart.
"I bring my own traits to a game," Murray said on Wednesday when asked how he compares to Trbojevic and NSW second-rower Tyson Frizell.
"Obviously they're bigger forwards than me and they bring a lot more go-forward in terms of impact.
"Where they're good in those areas I compensate with my speed around the ruck - being a smaller forward I try to bring my own strengths and I don't try to compare myself to any sort of player.
"I just want to be the best player I can be."
Having captained the 2016 NSW under 18s and the under 20s a year later, Murray seems destined to represent at senior level.
He said he was honoured to be mentioned as a contender, but only focused on playing good football with the Rabbitohs, who play against the Raiders in Canberra on Saturday night.
"Since I debuted my main goal is just to be a consistent player and results and rep honours will come off the back of that," Murray said.
"It's easy to stay grounded with Wayne (Bennett) as a coach as he always keeps us down to earth and accountable. He's not turning a blind eye just because of the results."
Murray said if he wasn't selected for the Origin opener in Brisbane on June 5, he would be right behind whoever was.
"I will be happy for whoever gets that 13 jumper," he said.
"I'm a NSW diehard through and through so will still be backing anyone who gets that position."
