Rabbitohs and New South Wales halfback Adam Reynolds believes he is as ready as he'll ever be for his State of Origin debut on June 1.
The 25-year-old premiership winner has played over 100 NRL games and said he was probably ready to don the sky blue jersey last year if selected.
With Mitchell Pearce and Trent Hodkinson given the nod for the 2015 Origin series in its entirety, it allowed Reynolds to further develop his game which he said will hold him in good stead come Wednesday week.
"I think I'm better off now than what I was previously. I've learnt a lot over the past 12 months and I feel I have more knowledge of the game and that I'm way better off for it," Reynolds said.
"It comes down to time on the field. As a player and a person you're continually learning and growing. I'm better off now down the track, I feel fresher for it and I'm over the moon.
"There's always disappointment when you don't make teams. I've always wanted to be a part of the Blues and I'm thankful I received the call up now," Reynolds added, of previously being overlooked.
New South Wales' No. 7 jumper has typically been a pressure cooker of sorts since the retirements of Blues' legends Trent Barrett, Andrew Johns and Craig Gower.
Since Reynolds' NRL debut in 2012, New South Wales have played Pearce, Hodkinson, Todd Carney, Josh Reynolds and James Maloney in the halves.
While Maloney has earned a reprieve following a two series hiatus, the high turnover is a fair example of the great responsibility expected of New South Wales' playmakers.
"Obviously any halfback in any team cops a fair bit of flak and pressure – this game will be no different," Reynolds said.
"I was lucky enough to experience a big game in the grand final and there was a fair bit of pressure there as well so I'm just looking forward to the opportunity and having a great week with the boys.
"You're playing against the best and you're with the best so for me it's about building combinations and growing throughout the week before transferring that into the game."
Reynolds also said the only thing he has ever had to do with newfound halves partner Maloney is play against him – having beaten him four times in seven games. Regardless, Reynolds is excited by the opportunity to feature alongside him.
"He's done a wonderful job for Cronulla this year and he's in great form and I'm looking forward to building a combination with him at training," Reynolds said.
"He's definitely grown himself and taken his game to a new level which has seen him rewarded with a jersey of his own."
