Manly's NRL premiership defence is back on track thanks largely to the form of skipper Matt Orford.

The reigning Dally M medallist has issued a timely reminder to NSW selectors with the Blues' No.7 jersey seemingly once more up for grabs.

Major representative honours is the one glaring omission on Orford's CV, with only three City Origin appearances to his name.

But the Sea Eagles halfback says he's still keen to play State of Origin footy if given the chance.

"I've always stuck my hand up and always wanted to play," Orford said on Tuesday.

"It's been a goal of mine to play Origin, but my club football and winning premierships, that's always been my No.1 goal.

"To play for your state and your country is always a massive honour and I've never hidden away from that.

"I've just never been in their plans and that's just the way it goes."

The 31-year-old wouldn't say he was the top candidate should selectors decide to axe maligned incumbent Peter Wallace, nor did he even seem to think the Brisbane halfback should get the chop for game three.

"Sometimes you've got to stick with those things. There's always going to be tough times in Origin but they've got to stay solid," Orford said.

"You are going up against this quality Queensland team and everybody needs to be aware of that."

Orford will be facing up to another Origin hopeful in veteran Bulldogs halfback Brett Kimmorley on Monday, and the Manly playmaker said age should not be an issue for selectors when they do make their decisions.

"He's probably in career-best form," Orford said of 32-year-old Kimmorley.

"There's no doubt that Noddy's going to want to play another great game like he did last week and put his hand up for Origin.

"If you've been on big stages before - he's been in premierships, he's played for Australia, he's played Origin - it (age) doesn't really matter.

"But there's other quality sevens out there that they can look at so, regardless of age, if you're in form you should be looked at."

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