Well this week he got in two try assists and two line break assists, so if he kept that up he'd be a shoe in (and an all time great...no one keeps that up every week).
But in general this year he has been pretty good. Not what I think of as Origin quality, but he outplayed Munster (and Smith, Crofts and Slater) when we played the Storm.
Who are the possible options? (for 5/8 or halfback, since it appears they could use Maloney as either)
Cleary, pending injury. Keary, Bird, Austin, Brooks, Green, Reynolds (Adam)?
Keary had a few sensational games but has faded, and defense could be an issue.
Bird is in poor form but might make the squad anyway on utility value, not sure he'd be a first choice half.
Austin is in better form than earlier this year but is the worst defender of the lot.
Brooks is in a winning team but is not creating any more than Townsend and not as good a kicker.
Green is playing well and is a safe option for the current year, not much future.
Cleary probably won't be fit and has very little experience (much less than Brooks, for example).
Reynolds has a good long kicking game but has injuries and lacks creativity this year also.
I don't see any of them standing out from the others, Townsend is as good an option as any. I think Fittler would have been wise to say to all these guys they're in the mix, but he is looking for someone to stand up now. Maybe Townsend started to do that this week.
Or an "out of position" option like Graham, Cartwright, Walker or Hayne? Seems unlikely.