North Queensland hooker Jake Granville has got a taste of what it feels like to be in a Queensland Emerging Origin camp - hence his determination to win a Maroons jumper.
Granville excelled in his first season at the Cowboys as they charged towards their maiden NRL premiership.
The Dally M Hooker of the Year played in all 28 matches in 2015, including the Cowboys' dramatic grand final golden-point victory over Brisbane.
He was one of 20 promising players invited to spend three days in a Queensland Emerging Origin camp at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre in January, an experience he described as a dream come true.
"It was great to go down and meet and train with some of the players you play against each week, he said.
"State of Origin is one of the biggest games there is so I think it's a goal for most players to get to that level."
The talented hooker recently extended his contract with North Queensland for a further two years, keeping him at the NRL club until the end of the 2018 season.
Granville said he was determined to avoid the dreaded second-year syndrome.
"The pre-season has been short but we have worked really well together, he said.
"I'm looking to play some consistent footy this year and just play each game as it comes.
"If I can prepare as well as I can and concentrate on my role within the team I will be able to perform to the best of my ability."
Granville said the Cowboys were focused on improving their combinations within the team.
"I always thought it was a great team and if I could get in and be a part of it, I'd really enjoy it."
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