Australian selectors, already wrestling with who to play in the halves in the rugby league Test against New Zealand on April 23, were given more food for thought when Parramatta second rower Nathan Hindmarsh put his hand up for selection.

Hindmarsh wasn't named in a preliminary 25-man squad by selectors two weeks ago but forced his way into calculations with his commanding performance in the Eels' 41-20 win over South Sydney at Parramatta Stadium on Monday.

Newcastle's Ben Kennedy is a certain selection in the Australian second row while St George Illawarra's Shaun Timmins seems the likely option at lock.

That leaves Hindmarsh, Michael Crocker and Bryan Fletcher - who played well for Souths on Monday - vying for the vacant spot in the second row alongside Kennedy.

Hindmarsh has played four State of Origin games and was a member of Australia's 2000 World Cup winning team - but is yet to play a Test.

"When he's gone to that level he certainly hasn't disgraced himself, but he hasn't dominated," Parramatta coach Brian Smith said.

"Somebody at that level has to believe in him."

Hindmarsh said he hadn't given up hope of playing against the Kiwis, but he wouldn't be "holding his breath".

Meanwhile, Smith voiced his concerns at the number of penalties in the game after 24 were awarded by referee Shayne Hayne during his side's 41-20 win over South Sydney at Parramatta Stadium.

"If you look at the stat that leads to a try, penalties win," he said.

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