Newcastle Knights fullback Dane Gagai is feeling confident ahead of Wednesday’s State of Origin match at ANZ Stadium.
A quad injury that had him in doubt for game two has once again hampered preparations for the Queensland winger.
“The leg went good out on the field, it was obviously a test, but I got through the session,” he told media in Queensland on Monday.
“It is feeling good, I just have to get it back into recovery now and I am feeling confident to go.
“The physios are great and know exactly what they are doing so I will listen to what they have to say and what to do to recover 100 per cent coming into Wednesday night.”
As he prepares for his fourth Origin match, Gagai acknowledges the opportunity to play for Queensland is a great privilege.
“I was always watching the games as a kid and I am having to pinch himself because the reality doesn’t feel real,” he said.
“It is such a great feeling to being around such great players.
“To be still only young and be around professional players such as Johnathan Thurston and seeing the competiveness the older players still have within them is an inspiration.
“I want to learn as much as I can from them and hope to have as good as a career as the older members of the team have had.”
After a spectacular performance in game two, Gagai praised his teammates for getting him over the try line for a hat-trick.
“A lot of the tries come off the boys efforts with Darius (Boyd) out the back and (Johnathan) Thurston’s kicks,” he added.
The Maroons take on the Blues at ANZ Stadium this Wednesday night, with the series already wrapped up by Queensland.
For the full interview click here.
