Maloney named as Country No.6

James Maloney's hopes of an Origin recall have increased after being selected at five-eighth for NSW Country's match against City in Tamworth on Sunday.

Maloney, who has taken Cronulla to six straight wins in the halves, will be partnered by Sharks teammate Jack Bird in a side that boasts three players with State of Origin experience.

Mitch Rein will also go up against City's Nathan Peats at hooker, in a battle that will likely indicate the eventual successor to Robbie Farah's No.9 jersey.

Country Origin squad: Jack Wighton, Kane Linnett, Euan Aitken, Jarrod Croker, Isaah Yeo, James Maloney, Jack Bird, Shannon Boyd, Mitch Rein, Jack De Belin, Tyson Frizell, Boyd Cordner, Dale Finucane, Jordan McLean, Paul Vaughan, Tariq Sims, Mitchell Aubusson. Coach: Craig Fitzgibbon.