Inaugural Queensland Origin fullback Colin Scott has urged Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to "seize the moment" when they clash in the NRL's Battle for Brisbane on Friday night.
With incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga currently out of action amid concussion concerns there is an opportunity for Brisbane's Walsh and the Dolphins' Tabuai-Fidow to give Queensland selectors a view of the depth in their position.
Tabuai-Fidow starred in his only Origin game at centre in 2021 while Walsh was in the Maroons squad the same year and on the cusp of a Queensland debut before pulling out with injury.
"It is up to them both to seize the moment. I had my own battles for the Queensland jersey with Gary Belcher and Smokin' Joe Kilroy," Scott, also the Broncos first No.1, told AAP.
"The best thing these two young guys can do is get out there and get involved. Competition brings out the best in you
"Hamiso gets involved and makes himself available, and he's safe. That is a big part of a fullback's game
"Walsh has a bit of Darren Lockyer about him with the way he carries himself and gets across the field. He is brilliant."
Queensland Rugby League (QRL) general manager Rohan Sawyer said recently that Ponga's health and wellbeing was the biggest concern.
It is a view shared by QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher who told AAP that the selectors and coach Billy Slater wanted all Maroons-eligible players to be making a case for selection.
"We want as many guys as possible vying," Hatcher told AAP.
"Billy's philosophy is that he identifies talent, tells them what they have got to do and if they perform he picks them. He wants consistency, passion and drive.
"Hamiso has already played one Origin game and Reece was in the squad and had to pull out injured. They are on the fringes. Both of them have got versatility too."
Both players have been sensational this season with Walsh scoring three tries and providing two try-assists in two games.
Tabuai-Fidow has scored four tries in three matches and been stellar in defence under the high ball, which is no surprise to current Dolphin and former North Queensland teammate Tom Gilbert.
"I have always known that about Hamiso. He stands up on the big stage," Gilbert told AAP.
"The most impressive thing about Hamiso this season is that he has put himself in the contest with quality touches and efforts.
"He puts the team first and adds the Hamiso touch on it at the same time."
Broncos legend Steve Renouf said Walsh's attitude impressed him as much as his skill in linking with his supports.
"Reece was quoted as saying he's had a chat to Billy Slater," Renouf said.
"That is classic Billy Slater with what he is doing at the moment. Billy used to do that exact thing...get across the back and create a bit of an overlap or go himself.
"When I heard that he'd had a chat to Billy...I knew he'd listened."
