Maroons' own Tom Terrific wants to inflict Origin pain on Haas

Maroons hopeful Tom Flegler has set his sights on rattling the cage of Broncos teammate Payne Haas in the State of Origin arena after relishing his first full pre-season in the NRL.

Flegler arrived in Maroons camp in Brisbane on Saturday with 32 other Queenslanders including emerging players and Origin regulars.

The 20-year-old former banana farmer from Tully in North Queensland played 23 Telstra Premiership games in his debut season last year including six as a starting lock.

He watched Haas storm through his first full NRL season and play for NSW and the Kangaroos. Now Flegler wants to join him in the Broncos starting side and take him on in the Origin cauldron.

"That would be awesome," Flegler said.

"I play with him week-in and week-out, and then to line up against him there would definitely be a lot of competition. That would be very enjoyable to do.

"I would love to push for a starting spot [at the Broncos]. That is my goal.

"Lodgey [Matt Lodge] and Payne are our leading front-rowers and they played excellent footy last year. If I don't get a starting spot I will go out each week and give it my all.

"I am pretty confident heading into 2020. I didn't expect to get so many games under my belt in 2019 so it is a bit of a confidence booster."

Flegler said he grew up idolising the Maroons warhorses Shane Webcke, Matt Scott and Corey Parker for their aggression and game smarts.

It is the fire and brimstone that the "Tully terror" showcases which most excites coach Kevin Walters.

"I love his character, he's got a beautiful character for State of Origin," Walters said.

"I haven't had a lot to do with Tom but I know he is suited to State of Origin football. He is a very aggressive type of player.

"Last year was very good for him, getting a taste of the NRL, and this year for Tom it is about building on that.

"Just being [in camp] around guys like Josh Papalii and Jai Arrow, guys who are currently in the front row for Queensland, if he picks up one or two habits from what they do - their preparation, their communication amongst each other - in the end that will help everyone be a better player."

If picked for the Maroons this year Flegler said he would be "ready to go" and would bring plenty of enthusiasm and impact off the bench.

He said rubbing shoulders with the likes of Papalii, Arrow, Dylan Napa and Jarrod Wallace in camp would only inspire him.

"It's massive to mix with some of the boys who have played Origin and know that you are in the mix," Flegler said.

"Nothing is guaranteed, you have to earn your spot, but there will be a lot of healthy competition here between all of us."

Flegler said he was stable at his usual playing weight of 105kg but a lot fitter and stronger than at any time in his short career.

"Last year I came off an ankle injury and I didn't do the first half of pre-season. It was no contact," he said.

"This year I started from the word go and I was into everything straight up which helped me massively.

"This is my first full pre-season uninjured and I am interested to see how I go. Hopefully it pays off."