Good times never seemed so good for Queensland half Sam Walker as he prepares for his first State of Origin decider at the spiritual home of the Maroons.
Four years ago Walker sat in the Maroons dressing room singing "Sweet Caroline" with the jubilant squad that won the decider 22-12 at Suncorp Stadium, after he had spent the week in camp with the team as a 20-year-old.
Now he has the chance with the No.7 on his back to emulate Maroons legend Allan Langer, another great Ipswich halfback product, who was man of the match 39 years ago in the Brisbane decider in his 1987 debut series.
Walker chuckled when reminded of his 2022 experience.
"It was awesome, my first camp and getting to experience what the whole build-up was like," he said.
"I was a young kid trying to take it all in and learn as much as I could.
"I enjoyed the week and I am sure that playing in this one will be even better. I am looking forward to the challenge. It is going to be awesome."
Walker has been outstanding in his two Origin games this series, and was man of the match in the 44-24 win at the MCG in game two.
"I learned a lot from those games. I am happy with the performance so far, but none of that matters if we don't go out there and play our best footy next Wednesday," he said.
Walker attended his first Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium in 2020. He was there to cheer on a famous victory with a team that included good mate Kurt Capewell and debutant Corey Allan, brother of his partner Bella Allan.
His desire to play for the Maroons was already ingrained
"I think that was lit pretty early," Walker said.
"Growing up here in Queensland, I didn't need 2020 to light that. It was there from a very young age. I have dreamt of this for a long time."
The occasion is huge and NSW have already tried to rattle him, with back-rower Hudson Young announcing he will put a target on Walker.
The wiry half showed in his last club match for the Roosters, with two try-saving tackles, that defence is an area of his game that has come a long way.
"The players around me have helped a fair bit and it makes my job easier, but I am continually working on defence," Walker said.
"All halves are targeted a fair bit defensively. I'm not where I want to be yet with it, but will continue to keep building."
He has Maroons assistant Langer and another legendary Queensland half in Johnathan Thurston to lean on for advice on handling the cauldron of a Brisbane decider.
"JT has been awesome, obviously learning from somebody that has been there and done it at the highest level," Walker said.
"I've been able to pick his brains and learn as much as I can. I'm sure I will be taking a lot from him this week as well."
If all goes to plan, Ipswich-raised Walker will have his decider moment in his first Origin series, just like the most famous Ipswich league icon, Langer.
"I've had a great time in camp with him," Walker said.
"Alf has got a real good energy around him and fills you with a lot of confidence in your game. He's been so good for me."
