Canberra young gun Nick Cotric has declared himself physically and mentally ready if he is called up for a State of Origin debut.
The 19-year-old winger is a contender to be picked by NSW coach Brad Fittler for the series opener on June 6 at the MCG after a blazing start to his NRL career.
A berth in the Blues' squad would make a "big dream" come true, despite having played just 33 first-grade games.
Cotric, named last year in the Emerging Blues squad, has played under Fittler for NSW at under-18 level.
There is a vacancy on the left wing after Canterbury veteran Brett Morris' retirement from representative football.
The battle might come down to Cotric and Melbourne's Josh Addo-Carr.
Cotric says his focus has been on playing for the Raiders, but believes he is ready for the Origin cauldron.
"It'd definitely be a huge step up, but I'd take that opportunity with two hands," Cotric said on Thursday when asked about his chances.
"Since I was a little kid, it's been a big dream of mine to put that blue jersey on.
"I remember watching it as a kid with family and friends."
Fittler immediately talked up Cotric's prospects in November after being appointed coach.
The NRL great believed he was an outstanding player, but threw down the gauntlet to back up his rookie season.
There have been no second-year blues for Cotric, who has played a crucial role in the Raiders winning four of their past five games to be on the cusp of the top eight.
"He was most probably the pick of the left wingers last year in the competition," Fittler said.
"It was no fluke he won rookie of the year, but people are going to watch him a lot more and there'll be more focus on him. It's about him just to keep improving."
