Jayden Campbell's recent taste of Origin has suddenly made the playmaker hungrier than ever to pull on that coveted Maroons jersey.
Experiencing a day in camp during the bye to help Queensland clinch the decider, the 25-year-old's trip to the Sunshine Coast quickly ignited his desire to follow in the footsteps of some of his childhood heroes and represent the state he's called home since he was young.
A fire the 69-gamer didn't quite realise was burning as intensely until the chance to run shape to aid Billy Slater's preparations.
"I had the opportunity to go up last Thursday. Billy gave Des a call and asked for a few of us lads to go up. I really enjoyed it, it's given me something to chase," Campbell said.
"Growing up, I wouldn't say I didn't have a drive to play Origin... I was just striving to make the NRL, but [this experience] has given me something to chase now, which I'm really fortunate for.
Tasked with imitating Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary, the Titans halfback was a sponge learning from not just Slater and fellow coaches Johnathon Thurston, Matt Ballin and Josh Hannay; but also from the likes of Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Harry Grant, soaking in all their knowledge and knowhow that helped them get to the pinnacle of the sport.
"I'm not really one to ask a lot of questions in regards to what I have to do [to get picked in future], I just loved being around the group and listening to the things that could make me a better player," he said.
"I'm still learning, so I'm just trying to get my game right and hopefully one day the time comes when I get to play Origin."
Back from concussion for this Sunday's Macca's Local Derby against the Broncos, the Maroons experience has added to Campbell's yearning to take down their Queensland rivals and avenge their heavy Round 14 defeat in Brisbane.
"We've just come back from the bye and we have nine straight now to end the year so hopefully we can put in a good performance this week and get the backend of our season on a roll and try and get some wins under our belt," he said.
"Brisbane are always a good opposition and have some good players. The rivalry between us and them being that M1 battle is always big and always great to play in.
"It's going to be a big one this weekend and we've got to train really hard this week and get ready for it."
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 19 -
home Team
Titans
17th Position
away Team
Broncos
5th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Expecting the Broncos' Origin quartet of Reece Walsh, Gehamat Shibasaki, Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan to back-up on Sunday, he is wary of the threats the visitors possess right across the park.
Although inspiring skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is also expected to play and Gold Coast welcome back David Fifita who is ready to go after ankle surgery.
"They've got threats all over the park," Campbell said.
"From Reece to the two front rowers in Payne and Patty if they back-up from Origin, but even Xavier Willison stepped up last week for them.
"They've got strike all over the park and it's going to be a big game for all of us as a team.
"We've just got to prep for everyone and be ready for them."
