After a breakout 2018 season, nib Newcastle Knights recruit Jesse Ramien believes he's ready for the State of Origin arena.
Lucky for him, he doesn't have to wait until next season to impress NSW Blues Coach Brad Fittler, after being selected in next month's Emerging Blues camp.
The 21-year-old is now starting to gain representative experience coming into the 2019 season having just played for the Prime Ministers XIII last month.
HARRAGON: 'HE IS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEEDED'
Ramien knows exactly what he needs to do to impress Blues Coach, Brad Fittler.
"I like to set myself a few personal goals to start the year and to play Origin is one of them," Ramien said.
"I need to play consistent footy week in, week out.
Ramien keen to build combinations
"If I can perform at club level and show that I'm ready for the step up, I think that'll handle itself."
Before Ramien gets too ahead of himself, he's focused on having a strong pre-season for the Knights.
KNIGHTS DUO SHINE FOR AUSSIE SCHOOLBOYS
With the likes of Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga at the Club, Ramien is already building strong combinations with them.
"Definitely, even out here at training I'm excited to even train with them," Ramien said.
Ramien: My goals for the 2019 season
"Seeing what KP (Kalyn Ponga) and Pearcey (Mitchell Pearce) can do, as well as Connor (Watson), I'm real keen to play for them.
"It was a big reason I signed with the club, with players like Pearcey and KP.
"I think they can take my game to the next level and help me progress as a player."
