NSW prop David Klemmer has touted fellow Newcastle prop Daniel Saifiti and former Blues playmaker Mitchell Pearce for Origin call-ups.

“I’m surprised he’s not being talked about for Origin,” Klemmer said of Saifiti.

“He’s mentally tough and he’s a strong player... he wouldn’t look out of place in an Origin jersey.”

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He added Pearce should be considered in the halves on the back of a strong season.

“He deserves to be there, he should have been picked,” Klemmer said.

Meanwhile, Klemmer realised the fifth-placed Knights need to lift their game against the NRL-leading Storm in Melbourne on Saturday.

“They really lifted on Friday (against the Roosters) but we’ve got to go another level.”

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Klemmer hopes to be available for the third and final State of Origin clash after fracturing a wrist in the series-opening loss to Queensland. The Newcastle front rower accepts he will not have recovered in time for the Blues’ must-win game in Perth on June 23, but he hopes to be available for the Sydney match on July 10.

Klemmer said he did not realise the extent of the injury until returning to training with the Knights.

media_camera David Klemmer believes Mitchell Pearce deserves to be in the NSW team based on his performances of for the Knights.

“It was disappointing to lose and to find out I was injured as well was very frustrating as I’m a competitive person,” Klemmer said.

“I’ve rang Freddy (NSW coach Brad Fittler) and let him know that I’ll do all I can to get to game three. Everything’s on mark to get there.”

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Klemmer was confident his replacement would do an admirable job in his absence as NSW aim to square the ledger at Optus Stadium.

Matt Lodge and Jordan McLean had been mentioned as possible options but the latter now appears to be out of action with a hamstring injury picked up in North Queensland’s loss to Manly.

“All the names getting tossed around are great footballers,” he said.

“I’d be happy for anyone to make their debut. I’m excited to hear who they pick. I’ll back them to do the job.”

Originally published as ‘Should have been picked’: Injured Blue backs Pearce for Origin recall