Prop Brenton Lawrence joked that if his stellar NRL form continued for the Gold Coast Titans, he may find himself caught up in a State of Origin tug of war for his services.
Mackay-born Lawrence played junior football in South Australia before signing with Canberra Raiders as a schoolboy.
But unable to crack first grade, he headed north and settled with the Titans under coach John Cartwright after impressing for Queensland Cup side Burleigh Bears.
“I don’t know how it works,” the 27-year-old told reporters about his Origin eligibility after the Titans’ 36-18 win over Penrith at Skilled Park on Sunday.
“We joked about this the other day. I said to the boys `I’m from South Australia, where does that leave me?’ My first game was in Adelaide.”
Lawrence has been a shining light for the 10th-placed Titans this year in his six matches, especially during the representative season when fellow forwards Greg Bird, Nate Myles and Ashley Harrison have been away in Origin camp.
He has excellent footwork, mobility and speed for a front-rower and demonstrated his skills with a classy try against the Panthers in which he showed up fullback Lachlan Coote and halfback Luke Walsh in a 35m run to the line.
But always thinking of the team, Lawrence said he would probably remember a dropped ball more than the try – his second for the season – that gave the Titans a 28-0 lead.
“My first carry I dropped the ball,” he said.
“I was out there for six minutes before halftime and I dropped the ball and gave away a penalty. I was filthy.”
In the absence of injured warhorse Luke Bailey (ribs), Lawrence has been relishing his extra minutes on the field.
And with the Titans boasting a star-studded forward pack and signing Maroons giant Dave Taylor on a four-year deal starting in 2013, the 102kg prop knows he needs to be on top of his game every week.
“It’s a battle to be in the side,” Lawrence said.
Titans skipper Scott Prince said at the post-match press conference: “I think he’s the quickest guy over 40m in the club and he’s got a body like Hercules. I’m really happy for him.”
Lawrence said the drama surrounding the financially-crippled Titans under the leadership of managing director Michael Searle had not affected his football.
“I don’t think anyone had any doubt in Searlie and what he was doing,” Lawrence said.
“He was always going to look after us and look after the club.”