Cowboys prop Thomas Mikaele is not receiving the level of attention for State of Origin selection that Todd Payten says he expected, according to multiple reports. Payten says he is surprised to see Mikaele “fly under the radar” in discussions about potential Origin teams. The articles attribute Payten’s comments to his perspective on Mikaele’s standing and impact at NRL level, implying that Mikaele’s performances and value are more apparent within the Cowboys’ environment than in broader Origin speculation. All outlets frame the story around Payten’s reaction to the apparent lack of prominence in selection talk, particularly in relation to Origin discussions that often focus on certain established or more widely discussed forwards. While the reports do not provide detailed selection decisions or confirm any call-up, they centre on Payten’s assessment that Mikaele should be featuring more prominently in conversations leading into Origin selection.