Newcastle coach Brian Smith says NSW will receive a more complete footballer if Jarrod Mullen is given a shot at State of Origin redemption next month.
Mullen, who played one match for the Blues in 2007, emphatically stated his case for a recall ahead of game three with a stand-out performance in the Knights' 25-20 come-from-behind win over South Sydney on Monday night.
With Blues selector Laurie Daley at EnergyAustralia Stadium to watch Mullen's display first-hand, the composed 22-year-old may have done enough to skip past Brisbane's Peter Wallace in the battle for the NSW No.7 jumper.
"That was Jarrod's best game for us this year in terms of control … (his) decision making was good and certainly his defence was more robust and solid," Smith said.
"He's a good footy player. He's got a high level of talent in the areas that make a difference to winning and losing."
"When your team's in the battle he can pull out big plays."
"He's learning to control the tempo of the game and how to change the momentum of the game without trying to pull out a big play."
"Don't ask me the next bit (about his Origin chances) because that's for someone else to ask, but he'll certainly be in our team again next weekend."
Smith was beaming at the end of Monday night's match but his mood wasn't as light at half-time.
He labelled his half-time speech 'caustic', ripping into his players for a lethargic first half display which saw them trail 12-4.
Three tries within 13 minutes early in the second half put the Knights back on track for an important victory, ensuring 200-game veteran Steve Simpson celebrated the milestone with a win.
"The theme was we just had to do better and they did," Smith said of his half-time chat.
"They knew they had it in them and they did it."
"We played 10 lengths better in the second half than the first."
"That was probably our best almost half of football. It was controlled, physical and it was great to watch."
Rabbitohs coach Jason Taylor complimented his side for its effort and passion but now has major problems after four straight losses.
"We're really disappointed we don't get two points for this," he said.
"There is a lot of effort going in to what we're doing but we've got to be able to play for 80 (minutes)."
"We're a competitive team but we've got to be able to do it for 80 minutes."
Asked how the Rabbitohs could fight their way clear of their slump, Taylor replied: "They've just got to put their foot forward every week, every day in training."
"When everyone is contributing to the best of their ability, we'll win games."