Just days after closing the door on rugby, Bulldogs five-eighth Braith Anasta looks set to open a new chapter in his Origin career after being linked as Trent Barrett's NSW halves partner.

The poor form of incumbent NSW halfback Brett Kimmorley and a solid but unspectacular return by ex-Test skipper Andrew Johns has fuelled speculation Anasta's name will appear in the Blues' Origin II team.

Former NSW coach Phil Gould hinted that Blues pivot Barrett would be shifted to halfback and Anasta - who ended talks with Australian Rugby Union last week - named as pivot for the June 15 clash at Telstra Stadium.

Indeed Gould - who is a huge influence on current Blues mentor Ricky Stuart - predicted two major changes in the NSW Origin II team.

"I think there will be a change on the bench, and I think there will be a very important change in the halves," he told Channel Nine.

"I'm looking for a positional change somewhere in the halves and I think Braith Anasta may play a part.

"Kimmorley's performance in Origin I and his performance last night (for NRL club Cronulla) has not done him any favours.

"He'll be going into this game under enormous pressure, he'll be going into this game lacking in a bit of confidence and whether or not NSW want that as part of their preparation going into game two I don't know."

Anasta has played three games for the Blues, but last tasted Origin in 2003.

Barrett is the incumbent NSW pivot but has been used as Blues halfback in the past - namely as Brad Fittler's halves partner last year.

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