Turbo boost for Gutho: Tom says Eel be right for centre role

Tom Trbojevic showed last year a specialist fullback could slot into the centres for NSW and he believes Clint Gutherson can do likewise over the next few weeks.

Trbojevic, who will be sidelined with a shoulder injury, would love to see the Eels skipper replace him at centre for next Wednesday's opening match of the Ampol State of Origin series.

"Freddy [Fittler] has some good options there but I'd probably go for someone like Clint Gutherson," Trbojevic told pan66.com.

"He's had an awesome year and he deserves a Blues jersey and he's played centre before."

Gutherson did play centre during his five games for Many over three years before signing with Parramatta in 2016.

He again switched between centre, wing, five-eighth and and fullback in his first three years at the Eels before locking down the No.1 jersey over the past few seasons.

"Defence is huge at centre and fullback and he's shown he can handle all that. Plus he's got great speed and acceleration – he's a quality player."

Trbojevic said the NSW side would not be daunted by the fact Queensland have the brains of Wayne Bennett and Mal Meninga combining for this series.

"I don't think the [Blues] players will be thinking about it overly. Certainly two of the biggest figures in our game coming together is quite something," Trbojevic said.

"I've never been coached by Wayne but I've played under Mal with the Kangaroos and he's an awesome coach and he knows how to get a team together and ready for a big occasion."

Trboejvic will not play again until 2021 due to the right shoulder damage he suffered in round 19.

"It's going to be a great Origin series anyway … and while I wish I was there I'm getting a feel for it from all [brother] Jake's texts and calls.

"I didn't need surgery – it will heal itself up but it's obviously taking a bit of time," Trbojevic said, adding that the injury affects the muscles around the joint.

"But it's coming along alright … still no golf yet.

"I can do weights but obviously not bench presses at the moment – just stuff to build the strength back.

"I'm enjoying it as I'm feeling stronger. I'll be right for Manly's pre-season in December so there's no rush."