Jake Clifford missed out on Queensland selection, but the talk that he was in the frame lit a fire in him that produced one of his best NRL games.
The 28-year-old North Queensland playmaker will take on South Sydney on Sunday in Townsville with a spring in his step and a confidence born from his most recent display.
Heading into last week's Magic Round, Clifford's name was in the headlines for a mooted Origin audition with Sydney Roosters star Sam Walker.
Walker was selected for the Maroons. Clifford wasn't, but it was the Cowboys half who won the night in a display of pure class.
He picked up a maximum six Dally M points for his performance in his switch from five-eighth to halfback in the absence of injured Cowboys No.7 Tom Dearden.
Instead of being a burden, the Origin talk lit a fire in Clifford in his 100th career match.
"There had been a bit of noise around it and it was exciting to have my name in the conversation," he said.
"I was just happy to get my job done. I know that with us losing Tommy Dearden I have to take ownership with my control of the game and with my kicking.
"Sammy is such a skilful footy player and keeps you on your toes because you don't know what he is going to do sometimes. I thought we handled that really well."
Clifford has certainly handled himself well this year. In key metrics he has never played better. His nine try assists in 11 games are already more than he's achieved in any other season.
His stellar 90.9 per cent tackle efficiency and average of 83m in attack are also career-best.
Maroons coach Billy Slater looks for good habits in players over a long period before selecting them. Clifford would love to take that extra step.
"It would be a dream come true," he said.
"It is something I've thought about as a little kid watching Origin, so if that happens I would be over the moon
"I just want to play good footy for the Cowboys and set us up for a good year."
The season is unfolding nicely for the Cowboys, who are just outside the top four. They play the Rabbitohs without co-captain Reuben Cotter, but get powerhouse Jason Taumalolo back after he was rested against the Roosters.
As a proud Queenslander, Clifford will also be supporting Walker when he runs out in the No.7 jersey in Wednesday night's Origin series opener in Sydney.
"He will do a great job for Queensland," Clifford said.
