State against state, mate against mate...brother against brother?
Korbin Sims' NRL future may be up in the air but the off contract Brisbane prop is still backing his chances of one day lining up for Queensland against his older sibling, NSW rookie forward Tariq.
Tariq will make his State of Origin debut off the Blues bench in Wednesday's game three in Brisbane.
Yet despite also being born in Gerringong, NSW, Korbin qualifies for the Maroons under Origin eligibility criteria after playing his junior footy with NRL club Brisbane Broncos.
Off contract Korbin, 26, did not know whether he will be staying at the Broncos next year, giving only short, sharp responses and even a "no comment" when asked about his contract situation.
But Korbin is certain his Origin window has not closed.
Asked if he would love to run out against Tariq in Origin, Korbin said: "That wouldn't be a bad little headline.
"I am hoping in the next couple of years if I can put together good performances back-to-back and maybe a full year of good performances under my belt then we will see how things pan out.
"Definitely State of Origin is still at the top of my list."
In the meantime, Korbin will have to stomach watching his brother run out against his beloved Queensland in Origin III.
"Well deserved (debut). He's been knocking on the door for a few years now and it is a credit to his professionalism and sustainability (after) two broken legs," Korbin said of Tariq.
"I am proud of him. I am not proud of the jersey he is wearing but...Wednesday night I'll support the No.14 (jersey)."
Siblings playing Origin is nothing new - 14 sets of brothers have run out for their state.
However, the Sims family already own a unique slice of history after older sister Ruan became the first of the household's five children to represent their state.
St George Illawarra back-rower Tariq's Origin debut ensures he and NSW women's skipper Ruan Sims are the first brother and sister to appear in the interstate arena.
Korbin says his main priority is guiding eighth-placed Brisbane into the NRL finals, starting with Sunday's derby against Gold Coast Titans.
It will mark Korbin's second game back from a broken jaw.
"I missed out on the finals last year (broken arm)," he said.
"So I am looking forward to the back end of the year when all the teams get their Origin players back and are at full strength - there are no excuses from then on in."
He expects forwards Jaydn Su'A (foot) and Tevita Pangai (ribs) to play the Titans.
