It's two years since Tom Gilbert rampaged for Queensland but he's ready to realise a mission this year that has so far proven elusive.
When the Dolphins captain returns to the State of Origin arena it will be a story for the ages.
Good judges like Maroons legend Cameron Smith predict his comeback will be on May 28 at Suncorp Stadium in the opening match of the 2025 series.
Smith, one of the best players and sharpest minds the game has seen, released his preferred team for the Origin opener on Channel Nine's 100% Footy show on Monday night. Gilbert was in his side as starting back-rower alongside Gold Coast powerhouse Beau Fermor.
Gilbert last played for the Maroons in game one of the 2023 series in Adelaide when a shoulder dislocation ended his season. A subsequent ACL rupture ruled him out of the 2024 series.
The 24-year-old made his Origin debut in 2022 at Suncorp Stadium off the bench in the decider when the Maroons triumphed.
Two wins from two Origin appearances is a good start, but Gilbert wants more.
"I missed it heaps," Gilbert said of his Origin absence.
"In (2023) I got injured and didn't get to play out the series, which was a huge goal of mine, and to win a series playing all games (would be) massive.
"Last year I missed all of it and they lost, so that was definitely hard to watch as it was for any Queenslander.
"If I got the opportunity I'd take it with two hands and it's my ambition to play for Queensland and win a series with them as a player.
"The biggest thing now is how I play for the Dolphins and that will contribute to those goals."
Gilbert, who said he was "100 per cent ready" for the Origin cauldron, can play second-row or as a middle forward which is a huge asset in representative football.
"It doesn't matter to me too much," he said.
"I actually did that role up at the Cowboys before I left, so I really enjoyed playing back-row and moving into the middle."
Gilbert just wants to fire against the second-placed Warriors on Saturday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.
The Dolphins are eight competition points behind the Auckland-based outfit and must win to keep in touch with the top eight.
"It's definitely a big game," Gilbert said.
"They're a great side. They're a physical team and they come to play each and every week and they're winning games they should.
"We need to worry about ourselves and get our prep' right. It's a great challenge and opportunity for us."
