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Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has identified Maroons rookie Robert Toia as a potential Ashes bolter after declaring performances during Origin would play a key role in selections.
The Australian side is preparing to travel to England for their first Ashes tour since 2003, with the country's best players jostling for a plane ticket at the end of the year.
State of Origin provides the contenders a chance to prove they can deliver on the big stage and Meninga will be at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night to run his eye over those pushing for selection.
The Australian coach is keen to ensure the interstate series remains a genuine selection trial for the Kangaroos and he's excited to see how a crop of Origin rookies handle the arena.
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Intent on winning: Meninga wants Kangaroos to make Ashes statement
Toia is among that group, having received a shock call up for Queensland after just 10 NRL games.
"There are some new guys coming through at the moment, so we'll look at the new guys and see how they handle the bigger occasion," Meninga told NRL.com.
"Robert Toia's a good example of that. I'm not quite sure where Rob's eligibility sits but I'd love to have him available, he's a player of the future.
"Then you've got Trent Loiero and on the other side Max King for NSW, so we've got some new talent there that you want to keep an eye on and see how well they perform at that level.
"The players that are eligible to play for Australia know Origin is a stepping block to the national side so performances during the series will be looked at encouragingly."
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 1 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The international rugby league landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, with the Pacific Island nations rising to challenge the Kangaroos.
A host of players with Australian eligibility have opted to switch allegiances to Tonga and Samoa, with NSW duo Brian To'o and Stephen Crichton among a growing group to represent their heritage.
Blues enforcer Payne Haas and Queensland forward Tino Fa'asuamaleaui are reportedly considering switching to Samoa ahead of next year's World Cup.
While embracing the new degree of competition at the international level, Meninga has been a passionate advocate for ensuring playing for the Kangaroos is the highest honour in rugby league for Australian players.
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Just in case you thought it was a Kangaroos home game
The coach led the side through an undefeated Pacific Championships campaign last year and is eager to see the players involved prove they deserve to retain their place in the squad throughout the Origin series.
"There's been a changing of the guard in the last couple of years with some new players coming in and a number of players choosing to represent the Pacific Island nations," Meninga said.
"We had a great camp last year that I was really pleased with the effort from the players. All the players put in and I was pleased with how they carried themselves in the green and gold jersey.
"There is some loyalty that will play its part, but Origin does also play its part, as does club form. I'll be looking at the players on Wednesday, the quality of their performances will play a big part in selection at the end of the year."
Meninga's comments should come as no surprise to the players involved, who know a strong performance throughout the Origin series will go a long way towards securing a place in the Ashes squad.
NSW forward Hudson Young received his first taste of the national set up during last year's Pacific Championships and credits the experience for helping him take his game to the next level this season.
Young, however, is also well aware that team success is often the biggest indicator of future representative selection and is determined to help the Blues start their Origin defence with a win.
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Inside Camp: Hudson Young
"[Playing in the Ashes] is a goal," Young said. "It's a while away but I'm sure Mal and the team do look at [Origin].
"I'm really grateful to be part of this team and I'm just looking to put my best foot forward for this team and get the win on Wednesday."
