Paul Vaughan has booked his flights, but not for a State of Origin camp in Kingscliff.
Despite talk of a NSW call-up, Blues adviser Peter Sterling all but quashed suggestions Vaughan's name would be read out during next week's announcement for game one.
But the newly re-signed St George Illawarra forward revealed he had other plans anyway, with flights booked to attend a mate's wedding nuptials in Hawaii during the team's bye next week.
"I actually got one of my best mate's wedding in Hawaii next week, and my flights are booked. So it's going to be a win-win situation anyway," Vaughan said on Tuesday.
"If I don't get picked, I'll be in Hawaii. Obviously I want to be playing Origin football, it's always been a dream of mine. But it's a win-win situation I think."
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The 26-year-old has plenty of other reasons to celebrate after being rewarded for his outstanding start to the season with a two-year extension with the club.
Having originally signed a three-year deal following his move from Canberra over the summer, Vaughan will now be a cornerstone of the Red V forward pack for the next five seasons.
Considered by many as the buy of the season over the opening 10 rounds, Vaughan credited his form to a change of scenery and asked his manager to inquire about extending his deal.
"I think I'm playing the best footy of my career so it's all been pretty positive," he said.
"Originally I signed for three years and I just went to my manager and asked, 'Let's see how we go for a couple more'.
"Seeing as though the club's in such a good position, I thought they might be a bit more lenient to re-signing me. I thought you know, it'd be a good time to get it done.
"But they were more than happy to do it. Now I just got to knuckle down and keep playing good footy for the remainder of the contract."
Through 10 rounds, Vaughan is averaging 138 metres and 27 tackles in 48 minutes, including three tries to be one of the team's best players so far.
He said the goal now is to maintain those standards.
"When I first came here, I felt I hadn't played my best football and I think I'm getting towards that position now. I just want to keep on putting out consistent performances," he said.
