Penrith fans aren't alone in wondering what makeshift fullback Michael Gordon could make of the position full-time.

The NSW representative has declared a preference for the No.1 jersey, although he knows injured custodian Lachlan Coote will be wanting it back.

As he did during Coote's six-week absence last year, Gordon has impressed in the middle of the park and the 27-year-old is relishing his time there.

"It's always good, unfortunate for Cootey, but it gives me a bit more freedom and I really enjoy playing there," Gordon told AAP.

"I definitely prefer it just because you're always involved and you're always around the ball.

"There's nowhere to hide back there so it sort of works both ways but I really enjoy the challenge of playing fullback."

The regular winger, who debuted for NSW in State of Origin III last year, had little background at fullback before being thrust into the role.

"I grew up playing in the halves, I came down playing centre and five-eighth so I'd only fill in at fullback now and then," he said.

"Last year I got a good run at fullback and I really enjoy it."

Coote has an ongoing groin problem which the Panthers say will sideline him until round seven.

Coach Matt Elliott said on the weekend he would keep his regular fullback in rehabilitation for as long as it takes because the injury was affecting his form.

But Elliott is adamant there will be room for both players in his line-up, which finally notched a home win in last Saturday's 36-10 thrashing of Canberra.

Gordon is hopeful he'll be part of Ricky Stuart's era at the Blues when Origin I kicks off on May 25.

"You'd always like to think you're a chance so hopefully I can be picked in the first game and play the whole series," he said.

"I try not to think about it too much because I'd only build myself up for possibly of a letdown so all I can do is try and play my best every week and see what happens."

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