Despite being overlooked for Friday night's City Country match, Newcastle NRL prop Ben Cross is confident he still has enough time to force his way into the NSW State of Origin side for game one.

After missing virtually all of last season through injury, Cross understood why he wasn't picked for Country in what is considered a trial for Blues selection.

But the giant enforcer, who played well in his only two matches for NSW in 2008, said the battle for front row spots is still wide open and believes he is capable of edging his way into the side which will run onto ANZ Stadium on May 26.

"I've still got a few more weeks before Origin I and Origin's a long period of time too. It's a seven or eight week period so a lot can happen and I feel I'm starting to play good footy," Cross said.

"I think Michael Weyman would be earmarked to get a start in the Origin ... but I think the front row spots for NSW are up for grabs regardless. In the three games there will be an opportunity there for sure I think."

The 31-year-old Cross has experience on his side and would relish the opportunity to work with young props like Weyman and Keith Galloway, who are being considered for sky blue jerseys.

Cross reminded selectors that he has a combination with Weyman and incumbent Brett White, and is adamant he can add size and leadership to a NSW front row which has lacked stability over past seasons.

"Definitely, I hope so. I missed out through injury last year and I know that if I got an opportunity to play Origin again I'd definitely grab it with both hands," he said.

"I feel like I've played well the two I've played and it's something you never take for granted - I know I certainly didn't.

"I've played with (Weyman) before at Canberra so I think we've got a pretty good combo and I played with Brett White too at the Storm and I've got a pretty good combination with him too."

Cross certainly has his work cut out for him after Weyman, White, Galloway, Josh Perry, Kade Snowden, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and Willie Mason all gave good accounts of themselves in Friday's respective Test and City Country games.

He has just two weeks to impress for Newcastle before teams are chosen, but Cross, who starred in the Knights' last start win over Brisbane, said he's primed for his two biggest games of the season in that time.

This Sunday at EnergyAustralia Stadium in Newcastle he's ready to prove himself against the high-flying Gold Coast and their experienced campaigner Luke Bailey up front.

Then in round 10, he'll lead the Knights' crusade against former coach Brian Smith, when Newcastle clash with the Roosters on the Central Coast.

"We've got a good game against the Titans, they're coming second on the ladder. `Bull' Bailey's still got everything he always possessed, so he'll be a good challenge for myself personally," Cross continued.

"Then we've got the Roosters down at Bluetongue which will be a pretty emotional game for us obviously with Smithy going down there.

"The boys and myself will be pretty pumped for that one."

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