Bulldogs pair Michael Ennis and Brett Kimmorley say continuing their successful club partnership is vital to save NSW from an Origin series whitewash.

The duo have been key elements behind the Bulldogs' surge to second place on the NRL ladder with 11 victories from 14 games, giving Blues selectors no choice but to pick both for Origin III in Brisbane next Wednesday.

Kimmorley's appearance is his first in a Blues jersey since game three in 2007, while Ennis will enjoy a maiden Origin appearance.

"Mick and I have got a good combination going and I think we've both helped each other get here," Kimmorley, 32, told reporters.

"I think I know what my role is at Canterbury really well and that's build a gameplan, steer us around, talk and do all that really well.

"It's probably a strength of what my game is. We (NSW) probably lacked a bit of a kicking game and probably a bit of experience in the first two."

Ennis, delighted to have been given his first crack at Origin football, said combining with Kimmorley would help him settle against Queensland.

"I haven't spoken to (NSW coach) Craig (Bellamy) as yet but I'm sure he'll have some plans and whatever his gameplan is and whatever role he'd like me to play in the team I'm sure I'll execute," the 25-year-old said.

"I couldn't imagine it'd be too much different from what I've been doing with the Bulldogs.

"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of having the little halfback there with me. He's a great competitor and we certainly play similar in a lot of ways.

"Being able to play back-to-back footy together for such a long period of the season will certainly benefit us two out there on the field.

"There's a reason why we're here and that's because of our club footy and it's important we don't try and do anything different."

Kimmorley added his partnership with Ennis may also benefit five-eighth Trent Barrett, giving the pivot more space to run at Queensland.

"Mick and I probably complement each other in that we play nice and direct and like to go forward and take the line on," he said.

"If we can bring them in a little bit and get some momentum, obviously when Trent gets a bit of ball it'll hopefully be with a lot of space and a lot of us going forward and them going backwards."

Seemingly out of the Origin picture as selectors went with youth at halfback in last year's series, Kimmorley has gone 180 degrees from 12 months ago when he was told to seek a new club by Cronulla.

He attributed his career turnaround to a renewed love for the game since signing with the Bulldogs at the end of last season.

"I think I don't get too far ahead of myself anymore, I really enjoy where I am on and off the field at the moment," he said.

"I've been through some phases in my career where you're hating footy and a bit over it and mentally struggling.

"I don't think I've been this happy for a while, I'm enjoying my football ... when you're happy and enjoying things you play better."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP