But the star playmaker says being snubbed for the Origin series opener won't add extra motivation to his season, adding that the Raiders are on high alert for a Canterbury Bulldogs ambush on Sunday.

The ins and outs of State of Origin have added extra spice to the Raiders' clash against the Bulldogs at Canberra Stadium with three halves intent on proving their NSW worth.

Austin and halves partner Aidan Sezer will be up against Bulldogs linchpin Josh Reynolds, while Josh Morris has been released from the NSW camp to return to NRL duties with Canterbury.

It sets up a massive battle, and Austin showed glimpses of his best against the New Zealand Warriors last weekend as he attempts to find his best form after an injury-interrupted start to the year.

He was tipped as a NSW bolter from the start of the year, but knee and hamstring injuries crippled his hopes of achieving his Origin dream.

Asked if he was disappointed to not be in the NSW side, Austin said: "No, I'm disappointed with my season so far. It's been super frustrating to have been off the park as much as I have and I haven't been that happy with some of my performances.

"For me, it's about staying on the paddock for the Raiders, building on my performance from last week and getting some confidence back.

"There's [no extra motivation for not being picked], I'm sure if I'm playing well [the selectors] will be aware that I'm still around and that's all I'll be trying to do."

NSW coach Laurie Daley opted for Adam Reynolds and James Maloney as his halves combination with Manly's Dylan Walker as the surprise pick forthe bench.

Austin, Sezer and Josh Reynolds lead a group of players, which also includes Mitchell Pearce and Trent Hodkinson, waiting to strike if they get a call-up in the Origin series.

Austin and Sezer's NSW hopes were hit by early-season injuries and they'll go head-to-head with Reynolds in Canberra to send a reminder of their Blues credentials.

Reynolds, also known as "Grub" because of his niggling tactics, turned on a clinic in Canberra last year to lift the Bulldogs to a 41-34 win just days after being dumped from the NSW side.

The Raiders are wary of another mission in the capital and want to shut the Bulldogs down before they can get a roll on.

"He's just a competitor, you can see that in what he did [against the Roosters] when he turned an ordinary kick into a moment of brilliance," Austin said.

"When you're a competitor, you have the ability to do that. We're going to have to watch him closely.

"We'll have to shut down their middle first and then hopefully that could nullify what he can do in the game."

Austin has played just six of Canberra's 11 games this season, but has started to build some consistency.

The Raiders' stabilised their season by beating the Warriors last weekend and forced their way back into the top eight.

But they were determined to stop their yo-yo form to string together consecutive wins for the first time since the opening two rounds of the season.

"It's important we learn our lessons out of the Warriors game and not give teams chances like we did," Austin said.

"I think we've turned a bit of a corner in the last three or four weeks and are getting a bit of confidence.

"The Bulldogs have England and New Zealand internationals, we're well aware of what we're going to be facing this week ... they're going to have a point to prove but we remember what they did to us when they came [to Canberra] last year."

NRL ROUND 12

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bulldogs at Canberra Stadium, 4pm.

Raiders team: 1. Jack Wighton, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Shannon Boyd, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Sia Soliola, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Shaun Fensom, 14. Kurt Baptiste, 15. Jeff Lima, 16. Luke Bateman, 17. Joe Tapine, 18. Clay Priest