Ryan James has refused to kick stones despite the prospect of having to wait at least another year to realise his NSW State of Origin dream.
The Gold Coast front-rower has for the last few days been a part of the Blues' game three camp as 18th man and is waiting in the wings should captain Boyd Cordner fail to recover from a calf injury.
Cordner is scheduled to run with the side on Friday and James will get a clearer picture of where he stands then.
It's been a rollercoaster month-and-a-half for the Titans captain who has been tantalisingly close to realising his representative debut on several occasions.
But James refuses to see himself as a victim of bad circumstance, instead relishing the chance to simply be in camp with the Blues.
"Boydy's looking sweet. He's done everything he can, I think he'll be sweet," James said.
"Honestly it's great just being part of it, be part of history like this and taking what I've learned back to club level.
"It's going to be great for the Titans because being in this camp has made me a better person and a better player."
James was told he would be in Blues camp as injury cover for Origin I, only to later receive a phone call from coach Brad Fittler to inform him he would not be required after all.
He was in the running to replace injured prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard for game two, but ultimately lost out to Matt Prior.
He took both knockbacks in his stride and has trained with the Blues over the last week as cover for Cordner.
He is scheduled to fly back to the Gold Coast on Friday afternoon and join Titans teammates ahead of Sunday's NRL clash with Brisbane.
However, he will remain in camp if Cordner is in any doubt.
"I thought my last couple of weeks of footy have been good and it's been from being around this calibre of player," James said.
"I've trained to a different standard. I'll try to get that back to the Gold Coast and get some more wins on the board so we can get to the semi-finals.
"It's just the standard of the training - barely any balls hit the ground, just the intensity in between drills. General communication always helps in a game of footy. People say it a lot but the talk out there is next level."
