Brisbane lock Pat Carrigan is channelling Queensland legend Nate Myles as he aims to take his game up a notch in the upcoming State of Origin series.
That mentality says a lot about the 25-year-old's insatiable quest for self-improvement as he was the recipient of the Wally Lewis Medal - awarded to the best player of the Origin series on either side - following last year's 2-1 victory by the Maroons.
Carrigan was superb in the Broncos' 15-4 NRL loss to Penrith on Thursday night as he made 67 tackles and 181m from 19 runs in an 80-minute performance.
"I just want to keep getting better and I know we have to better if we are to do something this year," Carrigan said.
The Maroons have the added challenge in Game One in Adelaide on May 31 of being without warhorse prop Josh Papalii after the veteran retired from Origin football last week.
Myles played 32 games for the Maroons between 2006 and 2017 and was an integral member of the team in a golden era for Queensland. The decorated forward was the ultimate team man, hard as nails and relentless in the Origin arena.
He was in camp with the Maroons as a mentor last year during Carrigan's debut series and will return this year to pass on his wisdom.
Carrigan said he had learned plenty from Myles about what it takes to be an Origin player, particularly about how "all the little things in the game are more important".
"Nate really harped on that to us middle forwards," Carrigan said.
"He said, 'Origin is not flashy. It is just one of those games where you have got to turn up for your mates', and that is one of the biggest things I have learned.
"I think he was always one of the first guys picked for Queensland, similar to someone like big Papa (Papalii). You just know that they are not going to let you down."
Carrigan is expected to line up in Game One of the Origin series against his Broncos teammate Payne Haas who will doubtless be one of the first forwards picked for NSW.
He said the Maroons would be prepared for anything the Blues threw at them and backed the likes of Myles, coach Billy Slater and assistant coach Cameron Smith to prepare the team well.
"Payne is playing good footy the big unit. His footy is doing the talking. He is going to be tough to handle for the Maroons in that blue jersey but it should be fun," Carrigan said.
"I aim to be there and I am excited to work with Bill, Cam and Nate Myles again. They really improved my game. If you take the time to listen to those guys it speaks for itself."
