Nathan Cleary has hailed Brian To'o as Penrith's best player in their unbeaten start to the year, endorsing a push for the winger to land a maiden NSW State of Origin spot.
Just moments after To'o told AAP he was doing his best to avoid Origin speculation, Cleary blew up his radar by recommending him for a Blues jersey.
To'o is the game's leading metre-eater with his work out of the back, averaging 232 per game and on track to break Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's record 2015 season.
The 22-year-old also leads the NRL for tackle busts with seven per game, while he has also scored three tries.
"Sure, yeah. He's an absolute freak. He does it week in, week out," Cleary said when asked if To'o was made for Origin.
"I still reckon he is super underrated just how much work he gets through for our team.
"He has been our best player this year and I can't speak highly enough of what he does.
"A kick goes up and every time you look around for who will take the carry, he's always there. Every time he touches the ball he looks like he is going to break."
To'o's obvious downfall is his height, with his 182cm making him one of the game's smallest wingers.
He gives up 14cm on chief rival for the spot Daniel Tupou, and it's believed that will likely play a large part in Brad Fittler's thinking.
But Penrith have conceded just one try from a kick on To'o's wing this season, and even that was a bomb from Brisbane that fell well in front of the winger.
"When he is targeted, he just finds way to get in the game as well, Cleary said.
"He is always there to put his hand up and he will contest everything that comes his way.
"His lack of height is made up in other areas. The way he runs the ball, he is freakishly strong."
The endorsement won't please To'o's partner, Moesha.
She has spent the past month trying to help To'o avoid Origin chat, despite calls for him to be picked being continually brought up by his family.
"A lot of my family members are always talking to me about Origin," To'o said.
"They keep mentioning it, 'oh you'll be in the Blues team, you're going to get your debut'.
"I always say thank you but try not to think about it and play good footy for the Panthers.
"It's not just one, it's all of them. My missus nails me down and tells me to stay focused on the Panthers every week.
"If the opportunity comes I will be grateful and really happy, but right now I am just trying to play consistent footy."
Australian Associated Press
