Newcastle Knights Korbin Sims and Dane Gagai have been rewarded with selection in Queensland's 2015 State of Origin Emerging squad and will attend camp between January 9 and 11.
“It means a lot to me to be selected again,” Sims told Knights TV on Thursday.
“I got selected last year for the first time and had a great time in camp.”
The 22-year-old gained valuable experience from last year’s camp and relished the chance to learn from some of the game’s most talented players.
“The bunch of lads we had up there were really experienced and I learnt a lot off them,” he added.
“It was a really good learning curve, to be such a young player and to be selected by the Queensland Maroons to come into camp with such a high profile organization. It was just great.”
For strike centre Gagai, selection in the squad will provide confidence ahead of the 2015 season.
“It’s a great confidence booster to know you’re a part of something so big and special in the game,” Gagai said.
“It’s something I want to strive for and this is a step towards one of my goals.
After a mishap during camp in 2014, Gagai hopes to repay selectors for the faith they’ve shown in him.
“Obviously last year wasn’t the greatest way to start that stepping stone to Origin, but I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to have a second chance,” he said.
“I’m fully focused and will take this opportunity with both hands, as cliché as it sounds, and make sure that I’m doing everything right.
“I’ve definitely learned my lesson.
“I’m looking forward to getting up to Queensland and being a part of the squad again and seeing some to the boys I got to see last year and being in that environment.
