Sydney Roosters captain Brad Fittler says he'll consider a shock return to State of Origin rugby league if NSW needs him this season.

An ankle injury to incumbent five-eighth Trent Barrett has thrown the spotlight on NSW's depth in the No.6 jersey, with the Blues having no obvious replacement for the St George Illawarra playmaker.

Fittler, NSW's most-capped Origin campaigner with 29 games, said he would consider his options if Barrett was unavailable and he received an approach from the Blues camp.

"I would see how I am going at that time of year," Fittler said.

"Last year I was having a ball. I missed four of the first five weeks, which helps your freshness.

"This year I hope I don't miss any games. I would have played about ten games (by Origin) so who knows how I'm feeling. It all depends. I'll see how I feel."

Barrett expects to be back in April, giving him plenty of time to be ready for the opening Origin game in Brisbane on June 11.

But even he concedes he's entering unknown territory with the cracked bone in his ankle, which was diagnosed after it was initially thought he had suffered a knee injury.

"I haven't really thought about it (Origin)," Barrett said.

"My first goal is to get back on the field for our team. If I am not fit for Origin than I'm not fit for Origin. That's the way it goes.

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