My form doesn't warrant Origin nod: Oates

His confidence may have returned under the high ball but incumbent Queensland winger Corey Oates reckons his form does not yet warrant State of Origin selection.

Oates made his Origin debut for Queensland last year, playing all three games.

However, the 22-year-old flyer still reckoned he had some 2016 regrets after being targeted in the air - and coming up short.

The lanky Brisbane winger revealed he had to work hard in the off-season to overcome the disappointment of his butter-fingered 2016 displays.

"I had to get my head around it, try and forget what happened last year," Oates said.

"But now it's a new year. I like to end training on a good note by catching five or six (bombs) in a row and that has helped me in the first four games.

"I have my confidence back under the high ball, I've got my timing back.

"I am pretty sure I can keep my hands on the ball because last year I couldn't catch anything."

Oates is again in the Origin mix as Queensland ponder a new-look backline with Greg Inglis (knee) out and veteran Melbourne fullback Billy Slater (shoulder) back from injury.

Besides his new-found confidence in an air raid, Oates is averaging 177m per game ahead of Thursday night's NRL away clash against Canterbury.

But asked if his form warranted Origin selection, Oates said: "I don't know, probably not.

"I feel like I have to improve.

"I can't dwell on what happened last year.

"But I will try my heart out to try and get that position back."