Former NSW halfback Brett Finch has warned Blues selectors not to forget Mitchell Pearce when it's time to pick playmakers for the State of Origin series opener.

Forgotten man: Mitchell Pearce has been solid for his new club so far. Credit:AAP

The Blues' mainstay has almost become the forgotten man in the race for the halfback jersey, with Nathan Cleary, Luke Brooks, Luke Keary and Blake Green all floated as options to play alongside likely five-eighth James Maloney.

NSW have struggled to find a regular halves pairing during Queensland's era of dominance, having cycled through an astronomical 19 combinations in 12 years.

Pearce is easily the most-experienced player vying for selection this year in any position, having notched up 18 matches in that period but for just five wins.