Gold Coast centre Jojo Fifita is inspired by the example of dual code international Mat Rogers as he edges closer to a State of Origin debut for Queensland.
The 23-year-old, who also plays on the wing, was invited into Maroons camp last year to get a taste of the Origin set-up.
With Melbourne winger Xavier Coates injured and Maroons regular Valentine Holmes out of form for St George Illawarra, an opportunity has emerged for Fifita ahead of the Origin series opener in Sydney on May 27.
Rogers, nicknamed 'Rat', played five Origins for the Maroons and 11 Tests for Australia before embarking on a successful rugby career with the Wallabies. He finished his playing career in league at the Titans.
Fifita and Rogers both attended noted rugby union powerhouse, The Southport School (TSS).
"Mat is definitely a big motivator for me, having a TSS background as well," Fifita told AAP at the launch of Magic Round in Brisbane.
"When I stepped into the league world it was unreal to know that someone from my school - a rugby union school - made so many achievements in league.
"It would be the biggest achievement of my career if I was to make the Queensland team. If I got the call, I'd be ready and I would do everything I could to be at the top of my game."
Fifita will play against Newcastle on Sunday, hours before the Queensland selectors meet to pick the side. He said his experience in Maroons camp last year, even though for just for one day, was an eye opener.
"(Coach) Billy Slater is big on the one per cent extras in all positions and it shows in Origin games, where they get everything right," he said.
Fifita, the son of former Tongan rugby union international Pila Fifita, has played the majority of his NRL career on the wing but this year new coach Josh Hannay has selected him exclusively at centre.
"Josh has a background as a centre and with me playing centre this year he outlined my strengths and weaknesses that I needed to work on at the start of pre-season," Fifita said.
"Defence was something I needed to improve. It is still a work in progress but Josh has helped with the little things in a game that you don't notice.
"In attack, he wants the ball to be in my hands more this year. He said I am a strong runner and the more opportunities I get with the ball, hopefully the better we can be."
As a result, Fifita is playing with confidence and has clearly been more of a physical presence to be reckoned with. He has made five line breaks in nine games, the same number he recorded in 17 matches last year. Fifita's tackle efficiency of 88 per cent is also the highest of his career.
His maturity has also been in evidence.
"I have nearly played 70 games now so it is my job to help the younger boys," he said.
"Last week, we had two guys (Zane Harrison and Jensen Taumoepeau) making debuts and a lock (Chris Randall) playing back-row on my side (of the field).
"I had to step up and try and lead them in the same way that I would want to be led if I was new."
