Ash Taylor admits he felt "gutted" after missing out on Queensland selection last season but is even more determined to crack the State of Origin arena.
The Titans halfback was on the verge of earning his debut in game III of 2018, only for the Maroons to pick Daly Cherry-Evans.
The Manly captain performed brilliantly as Queensland avoided a whitewash with an 18-12 victory and seems to have a mortgage on the state's No.7 jumper going forward.
MORE: Valentine Holmes missing NRL's Sharks but happy with NFL switch
Taylor, meanwhile, struggled in clubland after being overlooked and conceded at the time the Origin speculation affected his mindset.
But the 23-year-old says he has emerged a stronger player from the disappointment and believes he can help the Maroons wrest back the shield this year.
"I just want to make sure that my form's there at the start of the season," Taylor said.
"When it comes round to Origin selection [I want to ensure] that my name pops up, put it in [the selectors'] heads that I'm in contention again.
"Obviously missing out last year I was real gutted, but I'm better for the experience of missing out on the dream."
In a reflection of his immense talent, Taylor led the NRL for try assists at the halfway point last season, eventually finishing third behind Johnathan Thurston and Luke Keary with 18.
However, there is still a feeling that he isn't living up to the standard required of someone on $1 million per season – the richest salary at the Titans.
Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan put Taylor on notice in February, telling The Courier-Mail he won't hesitate to drop him if his displays aren't up to scratch.
There are multiple options in the halves for Brennan, with Tyrone Roberts, Ryley Jacks, AJ Brimson and Tyrone Peachey all capable playmakers.
It heaps pressure on Taylor to prove his worth, and the former Bronco – who has reportedly shed seven kilograms over the pre-season – is ready to fulfil his undoubted potential.
He is confident of marshalling the club to the finals for the first time since 2016 – the year he won the Dally M Rookie of the Year award.
"I'm hungrier this year to make sure I'm putting my body right," he said.
"... I've got 70 games under my belt now. I think it's a lot for myself considering what I've been through with all the injuries I had growing up.
"I'm just loving every game as it comes. You'll cop a bit of slack here and there about not winning games but this year we want to win every game that's possible.
"We want to be in the fight towards the back-end of games and we want to be on the other end instead of losing it."
And Taylor knows racking up victories early in the season for the Titans will result in his name being raised in Origin conversations.
" [I'm] making sure my game is up there as well to put myself in that frame," Taylor said.