But the Raiders powerhouse knows if he's to walk through any of them, he has to keep performing in the NRL - with no game bigger than their clash against Penrith at Canberra Stadium on Sunday when their season is on the line.

Born in New Zealand before moving to Australia when he was six, Paulo qualifies for three countries at this year's World Cup - Australia, New Zealand and Samoa.

The powerful prop has already played three Tests for Samoa, but given he's yet to play for either the Kangaroos or NSW he could not only pull on the green and gold in October but run out for the Kiwis as well.

He took part in the emerging Blues camp in January, but didn't get a call-up for State of Origin when it came around later in the year.

The 23-year-old has been one of the Raiders' best in their forward pack throughout this NRL season and leads the way for the Green Machine in offloads and is second in metres run.

He was especially damaging in the big win over the Cronulla Sharks two weeks ago, when he ran for 205m against the reigning premiers' respected pack.

Paulo didn't know what he'd do if the Kiwis came calling with an offer of a spot at this year's World Cup.

"That's a tough one to answer. I'd just have to wait if they knock or not," he laughed.

"Everyone wants to be playing international footy and with those top-three tier nations [Australia, New Zealand and England]. It's obviously a goal, but ... whatever happens happens."

Playing for Australia was definitely a goal for Paulo, who grew up in Sydney after moving across the Ditch 18 years ago.

His fellow front-rower Shannon Boyd realised that dream last year when he was part of the Kangaroos' successful Four Nations campaign.

While Paulo would love to follow suit, his focus is on trying to dominate against the Panthers pack on Sunday as the Raiders look to extend their three-game winning streak.

They sit two wins outside the top eight and need to win their three remaining games to keep their finals hopes alive.

"One of my goals is Australia, but I've got to be playing good footy week-in, week-out so whatever happens happens I guess," Paulo said.

"Everyone sees playing international [football] as a goal. It's something you want to do as a footballer, especially me, I've played all my junior footy in Australia so that's the pinnacle of where I want to get.

"But my job is playing footy for the Canberra Raiders week-in, week-out and being able to perform week-in, week-out. We're not quite there yet, but we'll see what happens."

He wanted to make his Origin debut this year, but now has his sights set on making that happen in 2018.

The Blues extended their losing streak to three, with Queensland winning 11 of the last 12 series.

Paulo said it was still something he aspired to, which could count against the Kiwis if they do come knocking at the end of the season.

"Origin is the pinnacle of rugby league, professional rugby, that's what everyone wants to do, whoever's eligible. It's something I wanted to do this year, obviously it wasn't meant to be," he said.

"I've got to come back and play good footy for the Raiders and hopefully I get a spot next year leading into it.

"You obviously need to prepare yourself and be ready for the call-up. It's one of those goals I'll definitely work towards."

NRL ROUND 24

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers at Canberra Stadium, 2pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Raiders want: Brisbane to beat the Dragons on Friday, Cronulla to beat the Cowboys on Saturday and Canterbury to beat Manly on Sunday.

Raiders: 1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Joey Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Joe Tapine 13. Elliott Whitehead. Interchange from: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Clay Priest 16. Dave Taylor 17. Luke Bateman 18. Michael Oldfield 19. Jeff Lima 20. Royce Hunt 21. Erin Clark.

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Waqa Blake 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Sione Katoa 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira-Naera 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Moses Leota. Interchange from: 14. Tyrone May 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Tim Browne 17. James Fisher-Harris 18. Trent Merrin 19. Dean Whare 20. Viliame Kikau 21. Mitch Rein.