Former NSW rugby league prop Jason Ryles believes the Blues should back youth as they look to stop Queensland’s dominance of the State of Origin series.

And he believes his former teammate, in-form Cronulla five-eighth Todd Carney, deserves the NSW playmaker’s role.

Ryles was set to retire until lured south by Melbourne this season and has earned a starting jersey in their unbeaten side with some impressive form.

The 33-year-old, who represented NSW 15 times and Australia a dozen, said on Monday that the Blues needed to give young props an opportunity.

“There’s a handful of guys there – (Aaron) Woods, (Keith) Galloway, (Trent) Merrin … they’ve got to look to the future and pick youth,” Ryles said.

“They got to just try and build a team as much as they can.”

But Ryles, who played 156 games for St George Illawarra as well as stints with the Sydney Roosters and French club Les Catalans, warned those selected would need to produce a heroic effort to stop Queensland.

“I’m lucky enough to play with the spine of the Queensland team every week and they’re pretty impressive so whoever they do pick will certainly have to bring their A-game in the three Origins.”

Ryles played with Carney at the Roosters while the mercurial five-eighth was at his best, earning the Dally M medal in 2010, before his career spiralled due to off-field indiscretions.

He said his good mate was happy and settled at the Sharks and that was reflected on-field.

He said Carney had done enough to secure an Origin call-up.

“He’s a mate of mine so I’d like to see him play.

“I think he’s earnt the position but whether they pick him is another thing.

“He certainly wouldn’t let them down – that’s for sure.”