New South Wales debutant Dylan Walker was shocked when informed of his State of Origin debut by coach Laurie Daley on Sunday.
Walker was moving into his new apartment at the time of Daley's call which only added to the excitement of the day.
While ultimately stoked by his selection, the 21-year-old Australian international admitted he hadn't been in the best form of late for the Sea Eagles.
Walker is hoping his Origin debut will do him the world of good in what has been a tough initiation in the halves since his off-season move to the Northern Beaches.
"I believe this can put me back into some good form. Club footy has been tough this year in terms of there being so many injuries and us having a different spine every week," Walker told NRL.com.
"I was surprised [by the call up]. I'm not going to lie about that. But I will be taking my opportunity with both hands.
"It would've been better if he called me a little bit earlier because I wouldn't had to have packed but I was so stoked to get the call," he added with a laugh.
Daley – speaking at the Origin I announcement on Monday – said he expects Walker to revel in the representative environment.
With Walker touted for a utility role off the bench, Daley said nobody could doubt the Mascot Jets junior's ability despite not being able to put a finger on his best position.
"People forget Dylan's only 21. He's won a grand final, he's played for Australia. He's playing for a new club in a different position but has plenty of ability and I'm confident he'll go well on Wednesday week," Daley said.
"What I do know about Dylan is that he's a footballer. He adds a touch of class to the team, he's got brilliant speed, plays on the ball and I'm sure tired forwards wouldn't want to see the likes of Dylan Walker popping up in the middle of the park fresh."
The opportunity for Walker to be 19th man for New South Wales in Origin II last year, he believes will hold him in good stead.
"Doing the warm up, I was more pumped than anything and to be able to actually play this year will be amazing," Walker said. "I have never been one to get too nervous before games but will have to wait and see how I go with this one."
