Cody Walker remembers asking Adam Reynolds what State of Origin was like after his debut for NSW in 2016.
Three years on and the South Sydney halves duo are a serious chance of joining hooker teammate Damien Cook in the Blues side for Origin I to be announced on Sunday.
A relatively late bloomer, 29-year-old Walker candidly admits he can't be sure, but he feels he's ready for the step up into the Origin cauldron.
"I remember Reyno when he played a couple of years ago. I asked him what's it like and he goes, 'It's way faster than an NRL game'," said Walker on Tuesday.
"It was my first year in the NRL and I was thinking how the hell can it be faster than an NRL game, because I'd never been at that sort of level.
"To answer your question, I don't know. I do have confidence in the way I play that I feel like I'm ready, but I never really know unless I'm there."
The halves are the most contentious NSW spots given the disappointing NRL form of incumbents James Maloney and Nathan Cleary for last-placed Penrith this season.
Sydney Roosters playmaker Luke Keary is also being widely tipped to debut after carrying on from his Clive Churchill medal performance in last year's grand final triumph.
However the instinctive Walker, whose leads the league in tries this year with 11, could sneak in due to his combination with Reynolds and certain selection Cook.
The Rabbitohs host the Wests Tigers on Saturday, the final chance to press their claims.
Reynolds, who is considered the next halfback in line to Cleary, is first in goals kicked, second in points-scoring, and second in kicks in general play.
Walker said the trio's combination has grown on and off the field for the Rabbitohs this year, helping the club climb to the top of the table.
"Our combination helps with our relationship off the field," Walker said.
"We get around together and put a lot of crap on the boys, really lift the energy, and we just sit behind Reyno. Whatever he does, we back him. It's great.
"We've got a great relationship. We catch up once or twice a week on ways we can improve as a spine and we're great mates."
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