Blayke Brailey's standout 2025 with the Cronulla Sharks earned him a spot in the Kangaroos touring party to England.
The Shire dummy half continued to emerge as one of the game's elite nines after a superb NRL season.
He edged out notable rivals Harry Grant and Apisai Koroisau to claim Dally M Hooker of the Year honours last season.
Although he did not take the field in any of the three Tests, the selection signalled his rise on the representative radar.
Brailey has openly stated he wants further opportunities at higher levels, including a State of Origin jersey for the Blues.
In what would be a massive honour for the life-long Blues fan, Brailey knows the hard work is built during the season to receive the Origin call-up.
"I got a taste of being in that (Kangaroos) squad, and I definitely want more. But I know that just comes off the back of club-land and how you play there and how you perform," Brailey told Fox.
"The first step to getting there is playing well for the Sharks. I'll be doing everything I can for the club here to hopefully get my opportunity there (for the Blues and Kangaroos)."
When Cameron McInnes suffered an ACL late last season, Brailey stepped up as captain for the Sharks.
His leadership and growing maturity have been evident, helping steer Cronulla deep into last year's finals series.
Now he aims to translate that club form into representative selection and further international recognition.