Former NSW captain Robbie Farah was among the first to congratulate club teammate Damien Cook when news filtered through of the South Sydney hooker's call-up for next week's State of Origin opener.
Cook had barely got off the phone with Brad Fittler late on Sunday night when Farah's name also popped up on his mobile to salute his selection.
"He messaged me last night to congratulate me," Cook said.
"I said I'd probably talk to him through the week. Obviously he's very experienced in not just rugby league, but especially in Origin as well.
"He said to call him any time and I definitely will be happy to chat to him through the week."
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Cook's ascent to the Blues side comes after edging ahead of Farah as the Rabbitohs' first-choice No.9 this year, consigning the veteran rake to reserve grade over the opening 12 rounds.
South Sydney are currently third on the table after winning six of their past seven matches.
Cook credited his teammates for contributing to the form that moved him into the Origin spotlight.
"You've seen how well our forward pack's going and for a player like myself to make a team like this, it's on the team that got me here," he said.
"So I'm really thankful for what the boys have done for me over this year and allowed me to play consistent footy, especially my forward pack."
Farah, who is likely to finally make his season debut deputising for Cook in Friday's clash against Cronulla, etched his name in Origin folklore when he made a record 63 tackles in game two in 2012.
It came just days before losing his mum to pancreatic cancer.
"I do remember him doing a really good job, that's why he was here for so long," Cook said.
The 26-year-old Cook, who currently leads the NRL in tackles and dummy-half runs, will also have benefit of working under Blues legend and assistant coach Danny Buderus in camp.
Buderus is the most capped hooker for NSW with 21 appearances.
"I grew up watching Buderus play," Cook said.
"I was actually a Knights supporter growing up for a little bit. I'm going to learn as much as I can from him and definitely someone great to have in your corner."
