He doesn't quite know when it happened but Josh Papalii admits he's acquired veteran status in the Queensland pack.
As he prepares for his 13th State of Origin appearance, the 28-year-old heads into this year's campaign fully aware he's among the most experienced in the Maroons pack.
In terms of age, only Matt Gillett (30), Ben Hunt (29) and Josh McGuire (29) are older than the Canberra front rower.
"I'm definitely one of the oldest," Papalii told AAP.
"I was talking to Moose (McGuire) about it a few days ago and saying 'we made the top five oldest in the team'.
"I was one of the youngest when I first came through and, it's just exciting being able to grow as a player and a person and still involved with the Maroons."
Papalii heads into Wednesday's series opener at Suncorp Stadium on the back of excellent NRL form.
He's averaging 134 running metres for the Raiders and 12.9 hit ups, with 20 tackle breaks to his name in 11 matches.
He disputes the suggestion however that he's become the leader of the Maroons pack.
"I definitely know these boys will turn up as well," Papalii said of his pack partners.
"There's no point having one good leader when you can have five good ones.
"The boys will be pretty pumped to lead each other on the field. Looking forward to it."
What is not in doubt in Papalii's mind is the importance of winning the forward battle to allow a backline packed with the unpredictable talent of Cameron Munster and Kalyn Ponga to fire.
"We've got a big task on Wednesday night," he said.
"We've got to be able to carry the ball strong, hit hard in defence and we're probably going to keep it pretty simple. Hopefully that works."
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