When Corey Norman got the news he'd be making his State of Origin debut from Queensland coach Kevin Walters, he had a quick celebration by himself and then rang his mum Sandy.
It's no surprise Norman's mother - who raised him by herself in the suburbs of Logan south of Brisbane - was the first person her son would share the news with.
The St George Illawarra playmaker says his rise to Origin honours is as much a reward for her as it is for him.
"It's only ever been me and mum," the Beenleigh Lions junior said.
"Obviously I wouldn't be here if she didn't take me to all the football games and work overtime and the lot.
"She was definitely getting the first call and it's kind of a reward for her for all her hard work to see me in a Maroons jersey."
Sandy will be in Sydney next Wednesday to watch her boy try to help Queensland rebound from their 38-6 shellacking in Perth and regain the Origin shield.
The 28-year-old has been named to start at five-eighth in a new halves pairing alongside captain Daly Cherry-Evans with Cameron Munster moving to fullback to replace the injured Kalyn Ponga (calf).
Norman - whose journey to Origin has taken 160 NRL games across three clubs - says he's ready to face the Blues and comfortable in camp after being the Maroons' 18th man for game two.
He's also promising not to shy away from taking a leading role on the field despite his rookie Origin status.
"That is part of my job as a half. I can't be out there not saying anything," Norman said.
"I have got to really know my role and do it well for the team. I don't have to come up with any special plays or anything like that. I just have to worry about what I have to do."
Norman will have a chance to bring his guidance to the Maroons on Friday when the team takes on Queensland Cup side Easts Tigers in a contested session.
Whether North Queensland captain Michael Morgan takes part in the session remains unknown.
After being concussed during the Cowboys' NRL defeat to the Dragons last weekend in a hit which ultimately cost Tariq Sims his place in the Blues' team, Morgan remained on restricted duties in Thursday's training run.
Morgan has been slated to start at left centre but it was utility Moses Mbye who played in that position for most of the session.
Munster was receiving some expert advice from ex-Queensland fullback Billy Slater at Thursday's training run and Norman expects the whole team to lift next Wednesday with the series on the line.
"Who doesn't want to play State of Origin in a decider? As a kid that is all you want to do."
