The rise of Nathan Cleary has not gone unnoticed by Daly Cherry-Evans but the Queensland No.7 says he is not worried about losing his Test jersey to his NSW rival.
The stage is set for the Ampol State of Origin series kicking off in Townsville on Wednesday to settle one of the great pub debates - just who is Australia's No.1 halfback?
Cherry-Evans is the incumbent Test No.7 but the Maroons captain faces a huge challenge to retain the jersey ahead of the end-of-year international program after Cleary's NRL season start with a dominant Penrith.
The Queenslander got the better of his rival last year in an upset Origin series win but a very different Cleary will line up in Townsville.
The 23-year-old is arguably at the height of his powers after guiding Penrith to a 12-0 season start before entering the Blues camp.
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And NSW are banking on Cleary's NRL Midas touch to rub off on the Origin team after being joined by Penrith halves partner Jarome Luai and four other Panthers in their squad.
The Origin series is expected to go a long way to helping coach Mal Meninga decide who will steer his Kangaroos side in the World Cup in the UK in October.
While COVID-19 travel restrictions and border closures may disrupt the international program, Kangaroo jerseys are still set to be up for grabs with alternate end-of-year Tests a possibility if the World Cup is scrapped.
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Asked if he was worried he may miss out on a green and gold jersey because of Cleary, Cherry-Evans said on Monday: "No, I'm not.
"I completely understand that it's a conversation, I get that because of how well he is playing.
"But I would be worried if I was playing poorly, that would make for one-way traffic.
"As it stands right now I understand why people are talking about it, but I am really happy, will continually improve and when I get a chance to play for Queensland - regardless of who is against me - I want to make sure I am doing myself and my teammates proud."
No wonder Cherry-Evans is quietly confident. He has overcome a hot and cold NRL season start with Manly to regain top form, grabbing seven try assists in his last eight games for the Sea Eagles to reignite their finals hopes.
But Cherry-Evans was coy when asked if he was still the NRL's No.1 halfback after Cleary's hot start.
"It is not for me to rank who is No.1 or who is No.2, I will leave that for you guys," he said to media on the Gold Coast.
"I have a lot of respect for the way Nathan has played over the last 18 months, but I certainly haven't been disappointed in my performances as well. I am just loving the opportunity to play for Queensland again."
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While Cleary poses a serious threat, Cherry-Evans can not only retain his Test No.7 jersey but may also earn the captaincy this year with a successful Origin campaign.
Incumbent Australian skipper Boyd Cordner's return is uncertain as he takes a break due to the concussion he suffered in the 2020 Origin series.
And NSW's James Tedesco is just starting out as a captain after taking over the Blues reins mid-Origin series from Cordner.
Cherry-Evans has grown as a leader after masterminding the Maroons' 2020 Origin boilover and successfully steering Manly through a period of self doubt without injured superstar Tom Trbojevic this season.
But Cherry-Evans said his captaincy mantra had remained the same - lead by example.
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"That's a hard question to answer when you have to talk about yourself and what sort of leader you are," he said.
"But I hope I am doing a good job. I feel I am always trying to get better at it.
"I have certainly made it pretty clear I don't have all the answers to leadership but I am trying to do my best with the stuff that I am good at.
"But I do feel like I am doing a good job and trying to get better at it every chance that I get."
