Beau Fermor hasn’t minced his words when it comes to Origin... he wants in.
Growing up in Dalby, the 23-year-old vividly remembers watching the Maroons religiously, riding every wave of emotion in front of the TV every Wednesday night when his beloved team took on the Blues.
"Being a Queensland kid, I'd always watch Queensland games," Fermor recalled.
"Some of my best early footy memories are watching Queensland games and I remember going to bed sad and crying if Queensland didn't win, so it'll be a dream come true if I get that opportunity."
Albeit, there wouldn't have been many tears given the barnstorming back-rower grew up during the golden 10 from 11 Origin series' era, with a majority of that spine now in the coaching staff, led by Billy Slater.
With just under a month until the squad enters Camp Maroon for the opening match in Sydney on June 8, the Devils junior is hoping he'll receive a phone call from the champion fullback to let him know the good news.
"I hope [to get picked], but if I don't, I don't," Fermor said.
"If I got that opportunity, it would be a dream come true. I've just got to keep performing consistently week-in, week-out to give myself the best chance.
"If I get picked, I'll be stoked; but if I don't, then I'll just work harder to try and get in there for Game II."
Getting a taste of Origin as an under 20s star in 2018 and now a regular starter for the Titans this season, Fermor's attitude epitomises a Queenslander.
He works hard, gives 110 percent effort, doesn't take shortcuts and is always there for his teammates, and should he get the opportunity to don the Maroon, he wants to bring that and more to ensure he doesn't let his state down.
"I'd bring enthusiasm. I want to be there," Fermor said.
"I'd do anything for that jersey and just rip in as much as I could.
"I think that I'd just be excited and try and do my job and do everything I can to help the team win and help the team perform well.
"If I get that opportunity, I don't think I'd let anyone down and hopefully I get my chance."
His stats back up his attitude - he's scored two tries across seven games, as well an average of 32 tackles a week at an impressive 93 percent efficiency, and he's got the ball in hand for around 100 metres a game.
An imminent Maroons debut also has plenty of support from a number of former Origin greats, including legendary Queensland back-rower Trevor Gillmeister who is backing the boy from Dalby to get a start in this year's series.
"He plays 80 minutes every week and he can play on the right or the left, so that won’t be an issue," the 22-game Maroons great said.
"The old Dalby boy… he should be getting a look-in I reckon."
The Origin hopeful has vowed to continue playing his best footy over the next four weeks to ensure he gets a phone call from Slater when the Game I squad is announced at the end of this month.
