Cameron Murray may be short on recent match fitness but the reinstated Blues lock has no doubt on his impact and role for NSW in Origin II.

Murray played 49 minutes in the 22-12 Round 15 win over the Broncos, which cemented state duties for the Rabbitohs’ skipper and teammate Latrell Mitchell.

It was the 26-year-old’s first bout in five rounds, after a hip flexor injury sidelined him throughout a tough string of South Sydney losses and club upheaval which resulted in Jason Demetriou getting the flick.

Yet after 27 tackles and 110 running metres, the interchange showing was enough for Michael Maguire to bring Murray back into the Origin fray.

The 13-game Blue is ready to smash and crash back into the Maroons line – featuring as a starting lock for only the second time at Origin level.

“Origin is one of the toughest arenas in sport, but it’s a pretty simple game,” Murray told The Roar.

“It’s a very effort-based game, so it suits me well. I don’t have to think too much. So I just go out there and do my best for my teammates and give it a crack.

“Really focus on those effort areas and little moments that Origin is all about.”

Murray’s experience is a much-needed boost for the youthful NSW lineup, where captain Jake Trbojevic boasts the most state caps, at 18.

Payne Haas and Isaah Yeo come in second-best with Murray, having all played 13 games.

“I guess a bit more of a relaxed character, I’d like to think of myself as,” Murray said.

“A bit of a calming nature. I love playing for this jersey and try and lead through my actions, lead by example.”

Murray made his Origin debut in 2019. The Blues won that series 2-1 after losing the first fixture at Suncorp.

Alongside the Souths youngster at the time was Mitchell, who went on in the Grand Final that year to spark a short-side flick pass for Daniel Tupou which gifted the Roosters a late 14-8 victory over the Raiders to seal back-to-back premierships.

Mitchell will return in the left centre slot next Wednesday, a position which earned him great success and hype as a Roosters recruit.

“Latrell’s ability speaks for itself. He’s a great player. He’s got energy too and he’s passionate about the jersey,” Murray said.

“I know he’s really looking forward to being out there experiencing the Origin arena again.”

In what was discussed as blatant poor judgement by Jordan Riki after he took out Murray without the ball in round 15, the camaraderie shown by Mitchell was an encouraging sign for Souths supporters.

Mitchell stormed in for his skipper, who was seemingly shook by the big shot – illustrating to critics that the Rabbitohs still run deep on passion and an attitude to stand up for one another.

Mitchell’s passion during his starring performance against the Broncos was a telling sign for NSW, that he is more than ready for a return.

Meanwhile, Murray says he is ready to play 80 minutes if required – having only put together two full-game performances from nine caps this year.

His likely interchange partner in Yeo however, has seven times this year played from the start to the final whistle.

Maroons lock Pat Carrigan has also slogged out six 80-minute performances.

The Blues also have bench utility Connor Watson as an option to throw out at lock which could mean Murray coming back on for a second stint in the second row.

Regardless, the Kangaroo is primed to strike and bring his workload back into Blue.