City Origin rugby league coach Brad Fittler says there has to be a place in the NSW side for Jarryd Hayne even if Todd Carney wins the race for the Blues five-eighth spot.

Hayne and Carney will go head to head on Sunday in Mudgee, but the Cronulla star is believed to be in the driving seat for the No.6 shirt following his fine start to the season for the rejuvenated Sharks.

Despite Hayne being one of the premier fullbacks in the NRL, NSW coach Ricky Stuart believes it is not the Parramatta superstar’s best position and is keen to see how he handles himself in the halves at representative level.

And should Hayne get the nod to play five-eighth in the State of Origin opener in Melbourne next month, it will be the fourth different position he would have played for NSW, having filled in on the wing and also at centre.

And Fittler believes the Blues are blessed to have the versatility of Hayne available to them.

“Just look at the size of him – he could play lock if he had to,” Fittler told AAP on Wednesday.

“People have been saying that he’s not playing well, but he has scored four tries in two games.

“There’s not many players in the comp that have done that. I can’t understand the criticism he gets.

“I am not sure what way Ricky is leaning in terms of who will play Origin, but there has to be a place for Haynesy in the side.

Stuart left Hayne out for the first game last year in Brisbane, but recalled him for the second and third matches.

And Fittler said he would be surprised if he is snubbed again this year.

“He is an Origin player and a player who plays well on the big stage,” he said.

“I am really looking forward to seeing how he goes in Mudgee at five-eighth and the whole Carney against Hayne thing adds a bit of spice to the game.”