It's not everyday the phone rings and a representative opportunity is on the other end of the line.
However, for Tex Hoy, Jacob Saifiti and Bradman Best, that's exactly what happened late week. All three of the group of young guns earned a call up into Brad Fittler's Emerging Blues Origin camp.
The squad consisted some of the game's most prestigious young talents and represents the next generation of possible NSW stars set to grace the Origin arena.
While the Origin series is known for its fierce and unforgiving nature, this camp wasn't about hard work or testing the players.
"The experience was really good," Hoy said.
"Freddy got us in, and it was like a history lesson about what State of Origin means and the background of it all.
Hoy: Emerging Blues, five-eighth future and Rd1 prep
"It was pretty cool, I didn't really know much of it, so it was cool to learn all that stuff and it's exciting."
Hoy burst onto the scene at last year's Perth Nines, before equally impressing in his nine-game stint in the NRL.
Hoy didn't look out of place in first grade, earning praise from the likes of Andrew Johns and Fittler himself, however the crafty young live-wire was still surprised to receive the phone call.
"It was (a surprising call up), I’ve only really played nine games and haven’t got a spot in the 17," he said.
"I was a bit surprised, but I took it with both hands and hopefully I can prove myself from there."
For Bradman Best, this was his second stint in camp with the Emerging squad.
The 19-year-old tearaway has been earmarked as one of the NRL's most exciting young players, and has been in the Blues system since he was 15.
However, that hasn't prevented him from feeling a sense of occasion when he walks into Blues HQ.
"To see all the coaches was pretty special, and something to be excited about," Best said.
"There were a few new faces, so it was good to mingle and get to know everyone."
Despite his age and relative inexperience, Best is already being touted for a potential Origin debut in the coming seasons.
It's not something playing on his mind.
"I just want to focus here with the Knights first," he said.
"I want to play some good footy here, and then whatever happens happens.
"If I play some good, consistent footy, that’ll take care of itself."
Best: Preparing for trials, staying fit and mindsets
With Fittler taking control of the camp, it presented a key opportunity for Hoy to continue his development as not just a player, but as a five-eighth.
The local junior has been touted for some time as a potential half, and pushed Kurt Mann for the position last year.
"I’ve known Brad for a couple of years now, he’s a good fella," Hoy said.
"I think the more opportunities I can get around him, the more I can learn off him so it should be good for the opportunities going forward."
