Queensland State of Origin hopeful Jai Arrow will be better prepared for the next Kevin Walters phone call than he was the last.
Arrow, who has shot to fame at the Gold Coast this year, will learn his Origin fate on Monday when Walters announces a new-look Maroons team that could include up to three rookies.
The 22-year-old forward played under Walters as an assistant at Brisbane last year, and was as shocked as anyone when he received a call from the Maroons mentor earlier this month as he edged closer to selection.
"I didn't have his number and at first I just went along with it just trying to figure out who it was," Arrow said.
"He called and just said you're doing well, keep it up.
"I was trying to work out who it was and then I did realise and I was like, 'oh crap!'. I started freaking out.
"But I've definitely saved it now and I'm hopefully waiting for that call."
Whether Arrow makes his Origin debut in 2018 could depend on the availability of the likes of Josh McGuire (ankle) and Matt Scott (possible suspension).
Brisbane prop Joe Ofahengaue could be another option on the bench, as Walters and fellow selectors Darren Lockyer and Gene Miles consider the next generation of Maroons.
But what's more certain though is that the 22-year-old has shown in the past three months months that he's made for Origin.
Despite battling constant rib, back, sternum and now shoulder injuries, Arrow has gone from a Broncos reserve grader during part of last year to becoming the leading metre-eater of all Queensland-eligible forwards.
"That's what I love. I love the dirty work," Arrow said.
"I love getting a lot of dirty work that no one wants to do done. I love the contact side of it. I wouldn't change my game for the world.
"I came down here to try and prove myself in the NRL. To have my name thrown up in Origin is pretty special and something I'm relishing and taking day by day and still pinching myself about.
"I've been to a few Origins and sitting in the crowd - it's pretty special. Being out there playing would be ten times better."
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